Accessibility
Wai Nui has been breaking barriers of accessibility through the implementation of adaptive equipment, training, and community involvement for many years.
At Wai Nui, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy paddling.
Our docks and washrooms are fully accessible
Wai Nui offers accessible paddling in stable Double Hull V12 outrigger canoes. All equipment and coaching is provided by Wai Nui.
Wai Nui runs two organized accessible group paddle programs, PaddleAll and Parkinson’s Paddle for the Passion for Parkinson’s Foundation.
PaddleAll and Parkinson’s Paddle are a more accessible outrigger canoe program aimed at reducing barriers to participants with neurological or cognitive divergences, disabilities and/or chronic conditions. Family members and caregivers are welcome.
Our instructors and leaders work with participants to develop paddling skills at the level and speed with which the paddlers are comfortable. Communication between the paddler, and/or the caregiver, enables us to know what the person wants and needs. Some paddlers are able to sit safely in the canoe and the instructor and volunteers paddle the boat, others sit in the canoe and learn skills.
During our paddle sessions, we rig two big canoes together, combining the two outrigger canoes in a traditional format – called Double Hull or V12. This ensures extra safety as the canoes cannot be overturned. Paddlers with ambulatory considerations are welcome as our docks are walker and wheelchair friendly. Instructors, leaders and caregivers provide assistance to paddlers as they enter and exit the boat.
We are located in downtown Oakville and we meet at the dock to paddle the double hull boats up and down Sixteen Mile Creek and into the harbour. If the water is calm, we head out on Lake Ontario.
The lake is amazing and the creek provides close encounters with the wildlife thriving in and on the water’s edge.
Every week the lake gives us different conditions and beautiful views and that’s the fun of paddling – learning to work with and enjoy what mother nature provides.
Paddling can feed your soul, be your meditation, be your way to relax and/or your optimal workout.
For inquiries about either program please call (905) 215-2540 and leave a detailed message or email wainuicanoeclub@gmail.com.
Come experience the ʻohana at Wai Nui O Kanaka!