Easy kayak access for all with EZ Launch.

Aim

WE NEED TO RAISE £10,250. To make it easy for all ages and physical abilities to get into and out of a kayak with ease and dignity.

Who are we?

Holme Pierrepont Canoe Club was started in 1971 and changed to charity status in 2011.  We are based at the National Water Sports Centre next to the River Trent right in the heart of the thriving community of Nottingham.  There are presently 430 members who participate in all water sports from Slalom, white water, free style, canoe, kayak, paddle board and raft.  

We provide the equipment, and the instructors and coaches are volunteers who  run sessions most days in the summer and weekends in the winter working with and developing children and adults to high level paddling skills enabling them to compete all over the country if desired and to paddle their chosen rivers and sea.

Inclusivity:

We as a club are keen to promote paddle-ability, and as our club evolves, we are noticing more interest among wheelchair users.   We aim to highlight the joy of being on the water for everyone, while also ensuring that individuals can access get in and out of a kayak without feeling uncomfortable or reliant on others. 

At the moment for the paddlers that struggle we have to line the kayaks up with the bank and kneel down to stabilise the boats, then if people are really having difficulty haul them up and over the side onto the concrete path.

New paddlers would also benefit as it would be reassuring to them if they had a few minutes stability to collect themselves once they get into the kayak.

We do get enquiries from people with disabilities but unfortunately due to lack of easy access into kayaks they do not join despite thinking of us as a friendly inclusive club.

We have Chris a paraplegic white water paddler who will be a white water leader very soon and wants to become a coach to highlight that disability is no obstacle.  This system will enable him to have total independence at the club.

Diversity:

As a club we are now wanting to reach a wider diverse group of paddler.  We have been running individual group sessions for a variety of people.   For example U3A. The majority had never been in a kayak and it was fun getting them in.  The EZ launch would have been a dream.   We have run sessions for groups that need a little extra care and time and also women only groups who lack confidence and want to paddle at quieter periods.  We are working with a local charity as well to continue groups sessions for people who have mental health issues and would benefit from being on the water.

Community:

Although The club is by the river it is in the heart of several small towns and villages and at the edge of Nottingham city. The National Water Sports Center is in the middle of a country park.

We get a huge footfall of families and dog walkers walking past especially in the summer.  There is always talk about how difficult they think it looks getting into kayaks and we feel the system would encourage more adults to join rather be than be put off.

The pond is open for public use and they would have access to the system.

The NWCS also offers kayak hire to non white water users.  After discussions with them they realise that they would also benefit from this system and so we are going to let them use it as well.

There is no equipment like this in the East Midlands with public access and despite our club being next to internationally recognised water sports facilities there are no easy access facilities which I think highlights how water sports has evolved over time to make it less of just an “athletically elite” sport to a pastime to be enjoyed by everyone in the local community.

Why we need to crowd fund

Ultimately, this upgrade is about enhancing the experience of being out on the water, and we believe it will foster a greater sense of enjoyment for people of all abilities.  We are committed to promoting paddle-ability and ensuring that everyone feels welcome and independent.  With the positive feedback we have already received whilst discussing the concept, it is evident this is an initiative that could change lives.

We need to raise £20,500 to purchase a floating pontoon and system to make it easier for paddlers to get in and out of their kayak.  We would also like a Transfer Bench to enable our paddlers that use wheelchairs to be able to get into their kayaks unaided.

We have been awarded £10, 237 from Sports England on condition that we match the offer.

Of the 430 members, 33% of the adult members are over 55 when joint problems and aches creep in causing potential problems getting into and out of the kayak.  There is also an increase in body size of people which also impacts other members as we all help each other to get into and out of the kayaks.  Most paddlers facing these difficulties end up on the ground which can be unpleasant. 

How we’ll spend the money raised

The equipment is expensive but it is virtually indestructible as it is made from polythylene, although plastic it will not cause any environmental damage. 

EZ Launch are the first and only company to produce this system.  The Kayak launch is attached to a floating pontoon and the transfer bench sits on top.  There is need for an extended gangway to compensate for the steep decline to the waters edge that less firm people can also find a challenge. 

 A first in the industry, the Transfer Bench offers variable heights for transfer from different wheelchairs and two Transfer Slide Boards to accommodate different watercraft heights. The Transfer Slide Board lands securely on a railing system that stabilizes it and provides grab bar transfer assistance for easy slide movement.  The bench will also be invaluable to non-wheelchair users as it will allow access without having to twist the body.

The required amount is so high due to:   Transfer Bench        £6,571

                                                                     EZ Launch                £2, 950

                                                            Second hand pontoon    £2, 280

                                                                Safety railings               £ 450

                                                                          Gangway             £950

The rest is made up of all the equipment used to put it together, deliver and instal.

How you can play your part

There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.

1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!

2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made