024 Inclusive Paddleboarding with Will Behenna

In this week's episode I speak to Will Behenna about inclusive paddleboarding. Will  discusses his background in disability sports and adventure, particularly after sustaining a spinal injury in 1988. 

We discuss:

• inclusive paddle boarding 
• the challenges of outdoor adventure 
• perceptions and mental barriers 
• customized seating and support 
• the mental health benefits 
• the physical accessibility of sites and the freedom if can bring

This is a powerful conversation about inclusive sports and fitness and the opportunities it can bring for all. 

About Will:
I've been developing Disability Sport/Adventure, since sustaining a Spinal Injury back in 1988.  I was the first Wheelchair user to obtain a Degree in Physical Education and Sport Science from Loughborough University back in 1995. This gave me a valuable insight into the lack of awareness regarding Disability Sports Development.  

Starting my career as an Assistant Leisure Centre Manager, I progressed into Disability Awareness Training and then into Disability Sports Development.  This culminated in me setting up an Inclusion Consultancy Business, where I specialised in developing programmes like the Inclusive Fitness Initiative. I spent over a decade working as a Content Creator, Tutor and Advisor in the field of Physical Education. 

Outside of work I travelled extensively and worked on numerous Outdoor Adventure programs. Although I've competed in a number of sports at a National and International level, being on the water has always been my passion. I currently work as a Counsellor supporting children in schools across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch and have plans to develop a Coaching Service supporting men’s emotional well-being.  

https://www.ripplerebels.co.uk/seated-and-kneeling-inclusive-paddelboarding 

About Sarah:
Sarah Bolitho helps fitness and health professionals develop their careers and grow their businesses by providing specialist training in teaching, assessing, and internal quality assurance, together with qualifications in exercise referral and disability.   

With over 30 years in the health-related fitness and physical activity fields, Sarah has a wealth of experience and knowledge.  She has worked in most roles in the industry from group exercise to personal training but specialised in working with specialist populations.  For over 25 years Sarah has trained fitness and health professionals to work with clients with long-term conditions, mental health issues, disabilities, older adults and pre/post-natal women.  She has a post-graduate diploma in exercise and health behaviour and extensive training in supporting behaviour change.  She has worked with awarding organisations to develop qualifications and training and with accreditation bodies to endorse high-quality non-regulated training. 

In her spare time, you will usually find Sarah walking in the mountains, by the sea or anywhere in nature.

For more about the training and support Sarah offers, visit www.sarahbolitho.com or contact her at admin@sarahbolitho.com.

Follow her on social media
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/fabnewlous_active_lives
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fitnesscareermentor
Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahbolitho

Transcript

Introduction (00:01.73)

Sarah Bolitho welcomes listeners to the episode of "Creating Active Lives" and introduces her guest, Will Behenna. She highlights their 20-year collaboration on the Inclusive Fitness Initiative project and their passion for fitness and activity.

Background and Experience (01:44.86)

Will Behenna discusses his background in disability sports and adventure, particularly after sustaining a spinal injury in 1988. He mentions his involvement in the Inclusive Fitness Initiative project and the subsequent development of awareness, training, and education for instructors in the field of physical education and sports science.

Inclusive Paddle Boarding (04:10.446)

Will shares his journey into the world of paddle boarding. He describes his frustration with traditional kayaking due to mobility limitations and how he developed his own modified seating system for paddle boarding. He explains the concept of inclusive paddle boarding, which accommodates sitting and kneeling positions, making it more accessible to various individuals.

Ripple Rebels and Inclusivity (04:44.196)

Will introduces Ripple Rebels, a community interest company dedicated to making paddle boarding more inclusive for different groups in the local community. He talks about his collaboration with Ripple Rebels and their shift in perspective to include seated and kneeling paddle boarding, offering a more accommodating experience.

Challenges of Outdoor Adventure (07:17.664)

Sarah and Will discuss the challenges associated with making outdoor adventure activities more inclusive, focusing on the environmental limitations posed by different landscapes. They talk about physical access to water bodies and the perception of safety among individuals with disabilities.

Perceptions and Mental Barriers (09:45.632)

Will explains that often it's not the physical limitations but the perception of water as a potentially dangerous environment that can discourage people with disabilities from participating in water-based activities. He emphasizes the importance of confidence and the role of water sports instructors in creating a safe and welcoming environment.

Getting Involved and Training (10:58.012)

The conversation turns to the availability of training and activities for people with disabilities. Will mentions various programs, such as adaptive biking, para canoeing, and sailing, that offer accessible options for outdoor activities. He highlights the need for confidence to approach activity centres and the importance of building an inclusive community.

Customized Seating and Support (12:52.588)

Will describes the modular seating system he's developing for the Inclusive Paddle Boarding project. He explains the adaptability of these seats to accommodate different sizes and levels of support. He also discusses his own customized seating solution and its impact on providing postural support.

Merging Paddle Boarding and Kayaking (16:27.586)

Will talks about how the Inclusive Paddle Boarding project merges aspects of paddle boarding and kayaking to create a more accessible and inclusive water sports experience. He discusses the stability of paddle boards and how it caters to individuals who may find traditional water sports challenging.

Mental Health Benefits (19:40.372)

Will shares his personal connection to water and the mental health benefits of paddle boarding. He describes the therapeutic qualities of being on the water, mindfulness, and the sense of freedom it provides. He recounts his experience with the Ripple Rebels project and its positive impact on mental well-being.

Physical Accessibility and Freedom (25:46.884)

Will reflects on his own journey of maintaining an adventurous spirit after his spinal injury. He discusses the freedom offered by adaptive equipment, like his electric bike attachment, and how it enables him to explore nature and engage in physical activities.

Future Goals and Inclusive Paddle Boarding (30:32.348)

Wil discusses his vision for the Inclusive Paddle Boarding project and his plans to populate the inclusivepaddleboarding.co.uk website with resources, videos, and information to empower and enable people with disabilities to access paddle boarding. He emphasizes the ripple effect of spreading awareness and inclusivity in water sports.

Accessible Launches and Safety (33:40.904)

Will addresses safety concerns and suitable candidates for inclusive paddle boarding. He highlights the importance of mobility in the arms and the ability to handle a paddle. While he acknowledges the possibility of varying abilities, he suggests that independent paddling might require certain restrictions for safety reasons.

Contacting Wil Behenna (34:44.9)

Listeners are directed to connect with Will Behenna through the Seated and Kneeling Inclusive Paddleboarding Project Facebook page and Instagram account. He welcomes inquiries, discussions, and collaborations to further promote and develop inclusive paddle-boarding opportunities.

Conclusion (37:19.214)

Sarah Bolitho and Will Behenna conclude the episode, highlighting the potential for inclusive paddle boarding to provide enriching experiences and mental well-being benefits. They encourage listeners to explore accessible water sports opportunities and the positive impact of nature on an active lifestyle.