We help ensure people with disabilities have the opportunity to enjoy adaptive outdoor experiences.
Our paddling program uses specially adapted equipment – accessible kayaks and wheelchair paddleboards. We have a lift on the dock to handle transfers, or you can self-transfer via a board, after which you will be launched into the water.
Our centre of operations is at False Creek near Science World in Vancouver, a peaceful and sheltered stretch of water with views ranging from city condos to the North Shore Mountains. There are some great restaurants and pubs nearby, too.
Our program staff and volunteers have extensive paddling experience to ensure you get the most from your time on the water and will accompany you on the water for your safety and comfort.
SCHEDULE:
Although our summer hiking season is now over, we still have TrailRiders available to rent or buy.
Explore more on our website for adapted personal training services designed to empower individuals with diverse abilities at https://bcmos.org/adapted-personal-training/.
The Booking System opens May 15, 2023 at 10 AM
COST: $10 per 60-minute paddling session.
Communicable Disease and Safety Information
Administration
BCMOS follows a communicable disease plan as set out by WorksafeBC. We ask that staff, volunteers, and clients do not participate in our paddling program if they are feeling unwell, and/or are exhibiting symptoms of illness. For clients, please inform the BCMOS Paddling Coordinators that you will not be able to attend your paddling session so that we can make the spot available and reschedule your session for another time.
Since most activities will require staff members or volunteers to be within six feet and have physical contact with clients, we have PPE supplies and sanitization products, like hand sanitizers, wipes and rubbing alcohol available at our paddling location.
Paddling Location
The 2023 summer paddling program is being held at Creekside Paddling Centre across from the Creekside Community Centre at False Creek. If you go down the ramp to the False Creek Ferry dock (The Village Dock) and make a right, you will find a set of doors where we will greet you. There are public, wheelchair-accessible washrooms available at Creekside Community Centre. If there is a closure of the centre, the nearest is located at Main and Terminal Street.
Map
The Creekside Paddling Centre is close to the Main Street/Science World and Olympic Village SkyTrain stations, and Main Street bus routes. We share the docks with the Vancouver dragon boat community (who are great neighbours).
Reservations
All paddling reservations and payments can be be made online through our booking system on the BCMOS website. Reservation confirmations and waivers will be sent via email ahead of the paddle. The purpose of this is to maintain our paddling schedule, getting you out on the water as efficiently as possible while reducing the number of touchpoints between staff, participants and volunteers. We also have a cashbox for payment and a box for paper forms on site.
Volunteer Orientation
In order to allow our volunteers to get to know the entire crew, a volunteer orientation was held at the Creekside Paddling Centre prior to the re-opening of the season. During this orientation, the paddling coordinators went through the safety protocols and procedures, and got to know one another better.
Equipment Safety Procedures
Our paddling coordinators are responsible for setting up and handling the following equipment:
- Kayaks
- Paddleboards
- First aid kit
- Paddles
- Lifejackets
- Hoist
- Transfer board
A sanitization area is set up at the paddling location. All equipment is regularly sanitized with wipes and rubbing alcohol.
Check-in Procedures
On the day of the paddling session, please arrive at the Creekside Paddling Centre just prior to your designated time. We will provide the participants with a mask if you choose to wear one during your paddling session. Sanitization materials (hand sanitizers and wipes) are available at the paddling centre.
Paddling Procedures
We ask that clients refrain from eating and drinking during paddling sessions where possible. After the paddling session, please return all equipment to BCMOS staff.
Overcrowding
In the case of passing people on the dock, please stay on the right side and allow the other users to pass on the left. Only people who have booked a paddling session at the given time can be on the dock. Safety first.
Medical Emergency
In the case of a small injury, staff will wear gloves and perform first aid measures with tools from our first aid kit. In the case of a medical emergency, the paddling coordinators or volunteers will call 911 to seek help.
The Disability Foundation and its affiliated societies comply with Communicable Disease protocols as determined by the provincial health authorities (e.g., BC: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/covid-19). Our workers and volunteers will follow such protocols and must be vaccinated to work with and within our organizations (offices, program locations, and home visits), unless a medical exemption is in place. To protect our workers and volunteers, we expect our clients and partners to comply with Communicable Disease protocols as well.
Thank you for making everyone’s health and safety the top priority.