walking . is . overrated

Well think again! If you have a physical impairment and have always wanted to test your sea-legs (or sea-wheels, as the case may be), then keep reading. If, like me, you’re terrified of capsizing and being swallowed by a whale (anyone? ..no?), then click away now. Yes, I’m scared of whales

Apparently, and admittedly completely unbeknowst to me, Auckland has the most active sailing programme for people with disabilities in the entire country! (For those in the Windy City of Wellington, it seems you have a similar programme - check it out here). SailAbility Auckland provides opportunities for children, youth and adults with physical impairments to learn to sail, or just to experience being in control of a sailing boat.

They tell me sailing is a fantastic sport to try out, because people with practically any severity of impairment can participate. Even if you are not able to use any part of your body below your neck, you could still sail using a “Sip and Puff” breath operated sailing system (this system is not yet available in NZ but it isn’t far away).

“Our aim is to provide people with disabilities the opportunity to sail in safety and to experience adventure and freedom - building mobility, self confidence and pride through achievement”. - SailAbility Auckland

From Information Officer Tim Dempsey: “Our summer sailing programme will be getting under way on October 27 from 9.30am – 12 followed by a BBQ, everyone is welcome. We are based at Westhaven Marina in Auckland, however we are able to cover the greater Auckland area”

If you wanna check out exactly what it’s all about, take a look at this cool clip of a SKUD 18 yacht, designed especially for people with disabilities:

For more information on what seems to be an exciting and rapidly growing sport, contact Tim Dempsey via email or check out SailAbility’s website!

If you know of a local sailing club in your area which can provide programmes for people with disabilities, leave a comment and I’ll add it to the post