Accessible Stand Up Paddleboarding comes to Paul Lake

When you think of Adaptive Sports Sun Peaks (ASSP), you may think of red jackets on the snow.

But on Sept. 21 ASSP will move onto the water and partner with Access

Revolution, a Vancouver-based adaptive sports business, to offer one of their first ever summer event at Paul Lake.

As part of a provincial tour, Access Revolution will host a public event for those with disabilities to try accessible stand-up paddleboards and the freedom chair, a wheelchair built to maneuver off-road.

Jordan Kerton, founder of Access Revolution, toured the province this summer bringing accessible equipment into small communities. The events, funded by an online crowdfunding campaign, partnered with local businesses and adaptive sport organizations to allow those with disabilities to experience a new sport and gain freedom.

“Participants tell me that they feel inspired and that they have experienced a new sense of freedom, fun and independence that they never thought was possible before,” Kerton said.

She said she hopes her tour, which will continue next spring, can “spread awareness as to what is possible and inspire people to create their own local opportunities.”

Sharon Tremblay, ASSP vice president, said that ASSP is excited to host a summer event and branch into a new area.

“We would love to host more summer events in the future,” Tremblay said. “We are so excited to offer SUP with Access Revolution.”

Other local partners for the event include Bodie Shandro from Paddle Surfit at Heffley Lake and Dorothy Jordan of dotsSUP in the Nicola Valley.

Jordan said she has a personal reason for being involved in the event.

“I’ve lived with and cared for a paraplegic family member most of my life so I know how

important accessibility is to this program,” Jordan said. “I am passionate about the sport and about making it accessible to everyone.”

Jordan said she hoped to provide accessible paddleboarding to the Nicola Valley soon.

Shandro said he is also considering the addition of adaptive equipmentto his company based on Heffley Lake.

“It is something that is very promising and very interesting,” Shandro said. “It would be great to spread it into my community and spread awareness that it is available.”

Participants can bring their own paddling equipment or boat and share in

the familiarization of adaptive equipment or try the accessible equipment on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Boards,equipment and “mini-lessons” will also be offered by Shandro and Jordan at the event.

Volunteers are still needed for the day. Those who are interested can contact Kerton at jordan@accessrevolution.com.