Adaptive Kayaking

Green Mountain Adaptive Sports partners with Northeast Disabled Athletic Association (NDAA) to provide adaptive kayaking for our athletes. 

The NDAA adaptive kayaking program launched in 2016. It is managed by Cathy Webster, Physical Therapist, whose stewardship has turned it into one of NDAA’s most popular and fastest growing programs.

New and seasoned kayakers of all ability level, with cognitive or physical disabilities are invited to participate. Our goal is to provide a fun, safe, and encouraging environment to develop the love of the sport and the freedom it provides.

The GMAS Kayaking Program runs for approximately 8 weeks from mid-july to mid-August at the Waterbury Reservoir, every Wednesday, from 10am to 4pm. The last slot is at 2:30 pm. If that day is not possible, we can discuss other options.

The program is primarily housed at the Waterbury Reservoir, but other locations, including Lake Elmore, Lake Champlain, and the Green River Reservoir are also options on a case by case basis.

IF participants are ages 17 and under, they must be accompanied by an adult who will act as their main helper. Additionally, trained volunteers will be available and paired with the athletes on and off the water. The volunteers will provide guidance and expertise with adaptations, technique, and anything else necessary to provide a most successful positive experience.

All interested participants must register ASAP to assure that space, equipment and personnel are available. The participant’s manual can be found here.

Register

Athletes or their caretakers can sign up online for the program on the form below to try the adaptive kayaking program. Once registered, we will contact you to get more information to assess the participant’s ability, and to discuss adaptations or special needs if any. 

Volunteer

Help with the equipment, and paddle with the athletes on the beautiful Waterbury Reservoir. You can volunteer for a few hours, weekly, or be added to the emergency list. It’s a blast. To volunteer for the NDAA Kayaking program, you must fill out the kayaking volunteer form or contact Cathy at kayak@disabledathletics.org. A volunteer orientation session for new volunteers will he held on Thursday, May 30th, 5pm at the RehabGYM in Colchester, 905 Roosevelt Highway, Suite 100. There will be a wet exit demonstration in the pool. If this is something you would like to experience, please bring your bathing suit. In the meantime, attached is the volunteer manual for you to take a look at and become familiar with. Please let Cathy know if you plan to attend the orientation.