About This Guide
Running an adaptive kayaking program involves more than selecting equipment or recruiting volunteers. Program leaders must consider participant needs, staffing ratios, water safety, fatigue management, equipment setup, documentation and day-of operations — all within the context of flatwater environments.
This comprehensive, 32-page guide brings those elements together in one practical resource, helping organizations plan, manage and operate adaptive kayaking programs that are safe, inclusive and sustainable over time.
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Who This Guide Is For
This guide is intended for:
Community-based Non-profit Paddling Programs
Municipal Parks & Recreation Departments
Adaptive Sports & Recreation Programs
Managers Responsible for Safety, Staffing & Operations
While volunteers will find it informative, this guide is primarily written for program leaders.
Adaptive Kayaking Program Operations Manual
For Nonprofit and Community-based Organizations with Flatwater Adaptive Kayaking Programs
WHAT'S INSIDE:
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What makes adaptive kayaking programs unique
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Participant needs and functional considerations
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Staffing roles, supervision models and volunteer coordination
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Adaptive equipment planning and use
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Program-day operations, safety management and emergency response
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Risk management, documentation and program evaluation
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Practical tools, checklists and templates to support implementation
ABOUT
This 32-page manual was developed by Angle Oar in collaboration with adaptive kayaking programs across North America, drawing on years of operational experience and lessons learned in community-based and public-sector program settings. Angle Oar works with adaptive programs, clinicians and paddlers to support safe, accessible kayaking opportunities that align with public recreation goals and mission-driven community programming.
This manual is an operations and program management guide. It is not intended to replace hands-on training, instructor certification, or formal paddling education.
Specifically, this manual is NOT:
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A diagnostic, medical or clinical tool, and does not replace clinical judgment, physical therapy evaluation or individualized medical guidance
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An instructional manual for teaching adaptive kayaking techniques or how to modify kayaks, paddles, or paddling styles for individual conditions
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A comprehensive adaptive kayaking certification program
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A course on kayaking skills or on-water safety instruction, such as rescues, strokes or paddling technique
Organizations running adaptive kayaking programs are strongly encouraged to pursue appropriate training and certifications through recognized instructional bodies, including the American Canoe Association, which offers adaptive paddling education, safety training and instructor certification programs.
This manual is designed to complement, not replace, professional instruction by helping organizations put strong operational, safety and program structures in place.
WHAT THIS MANUAL IS NOT
