Avoiding injuries while kayaking

Here's a good article on the topic of injuries:

http://www.sit-on-topkayaking.com/Articles/DisabledKayaker/AdaptivePaddlers.html

Good advice, ganoderma, for those of us who spend most of our free time on the water. I think I was most interested in Kayak Zak, which reminds me of a special group in Santa Cruz.

Shared Adventures was founded by a quadrapalegic (motorcycle accident) who wanted to bring adventures we take for granted to the disabled/handicapped. I volunteer each year at Day on the Beach at Cowell's Beach in Santa Cruz assisting young and old, moderately to severely disabled people participate in kayaking (tandem), outrigger canoeing, and beach wheelchair riding. I can't tell you how emotional it is to see the joy in a participant's eyes or to have a tearful participant hug you with thanks for his/her experience.

They also have art shows, Day in the Sky (out of Watsonville), and other great events, all with live bands, free food, free T-shirt, and so much love for sharing these adventures.

I'll post to the NCKA forum next summer when they need volunteers to paddle a tandem with a participant, launch and land kayaks, be a safety boater, etc. It's a great cause and a heartwarming experience.

Thanks, ganoderma, for reminding me of 2007 Day on the Beach and how mindful we should all be of our body mechanics and skillset.

Janice aka "Big J"