Joining in on the new pilot paddle program on Sunday is Max from Wodonga with experienced paddler Zoe Schweda on the Murray River.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Canoe Club has been selected to run a pilot program to encourage people of all abilities to have a go at canoeing.
The work that has be done by the club with their junior program and the success of junior para classed athlete Natalia-Drew Cole has been noticed by Paddle Victoria who selected the club to run their adaptive program with a paddling information session that was held on the weekend.
This custom built kayak trolley allows safe and easy access into the river for paddlers.
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Recently club members from the Yarrawonga Mulwala and Cobram Barooga Canoe Clubs went through a training session with representatives from Paddle Vic enabling the club to run paddling programs and sessions for anyone that would like to, no matter what their circumstances.
“Each adaptive paddler has their own issues and the club and Paddle Vic will be working together to find a solution for each case,” club coach Tim Roadley said.
Some of tools available and used on the training day were a transportable kayak launcher, boat pontoons and double kayaks with single and double blade paddlers.
On Sunday, the club held an open session for the public with several service providers coming along to see what the club can offer next season.
“We had a young boy with Cerebral Palsy, which effects the left-hand side of his body, but the team was able to come up with a solution of paddling a double sit on top kayak with the help of junior member Zoe Schweda for over half an hour on the mighty Murray River,” Tim said.
“The young boy was motivated to give paddling a go after meeting dual paralympian and gold medalist Curtis McGrath who has been an inspiration to many people with physical disabilities,” Tim said.
If you would like any information on paddling at the club contact Tim Roadley on 0417373376 or email timroadley@gmail.com
