Adaptive Paddling News:

PADDLING IS FOR EVERYONE - Inaugural Hope Chest Regatta
"You have given me wings. Everything is cast aside. That is such a powerful feeling."
    

NEW   Cape Ability Outrigger Ohana WebsiteNEW   Cape Ability Outrigger Ohana, Inc just posted the beginnings of a web site. Visit us at  www.adaptivecanoeing.org
NEW   ECORA Team wins Gold NEW  2006 IVF World Sprints Cape Ability
Outrigger Ohana, Inc., a chapter of Disabled Sports USA is proud to announce that the East Coast Outrigger Racing Association's V6 Team earned a gold medal in the inaugural V6 International Va'a (Outrigger Canoe) Federation World Championship race for Adaptive Paddlers on Lake Karapiro, New Zealand on March 30, 2006. Team members include: (top row) Tammy Jopson, Tami Hetke, Sgt. Matt Profitt, Jamey Parks, (bottom row) Teryl Chapel, Susan Beck. Their winning time for the 500-meter race was 2:21.76 followed by Italy/Canada - 2:25.30, New Zealand - 2:30.02, Hawaii - 2:40.06 and England - 2:54.55. United States Canoe Association members should be proud of their contribution to this historical event. Tammy Jopson and Susan Beck were both members of the winning team in the inaugural USCA National Outrigger Canoe Sprint Race Championships in Warren, Pa., in 2005. Thanks, for establishing our nation's first outrigger canoe sprint race championship for paddlers with disabilities.	Click to enlarge
Disabled soldiers try paddling New Boat Dedicated with Traditional Hawaiian Blessing
Disabled Irag Vets At Kent Island Cup 9/5/04 Two teams of servicemen and servicewomen from Walter Reed Hospital "Duking" it out in the 500 meter sprint race in the Kent Island Cup.  "All DC-8 races in the novice/military division were very close; three teams were separated by only one second each. I am physically and emotionally drained but inspired, encouraged and motivated all the more  because of what everyone witnessed this past weekend" (Jan Whitaker) Click to enlarge
Disabled Iraq Vets at Summerfest World Outrigger Sprints in Hilo Hawaii by Jan Whitaker Inspire, Educate and Motivate: Paddling to Victory   by Haley Boruszak Paddling with purpose / Disabled athletes look to make Canoeing a Paralympic event Gregory Crouse of Buena Park (Orange County) raises his paddle in victory as his crew crosses the finish line. Chronicle photo by Lance Iversen

Jan Whitaker 2003 Paddler of the year

2004 ADA Compliance Victory Award Recipient
From Regional Center for Independent Living

USCA Adaptive Paddling Committee. Committee Chair - Jan Whitaker

Adaptive Paddling Committee (1) May provide special assistance for paddlers who are physically, mentally, emotionally and socially in need of support for safe paddling on our waterways. (2) May encourage and assist in the promotion and education of paddling programs for individuals who are in need of special assistance. (3) May serve as a liaison with other associations that provide adaptive paddling programs.

Jan Whitaker writes:
"...at the novice Rochester River Challenge Outrigger Canoe Sprint Races last June. Tish, and other youth with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, spina bifida and hearing impairments enjoy our recreational and competitive paddling adventures. They are my pride and joy. Tish's team won the girls division last year, beating other teams of all able-bodied paddlers.

Our Rochester Rehabilitation Center program is based in Rochester, New York on the Genesee River. There are modified outriggers now in other states as well."

Jan organized a clinic in conjunction with the 2001 Nationals to demonstrate outrigger paddling as a paralympic sport, and to instruct those who work with the disabled on the use of paddling as a therapeutic activity. Jan received letters of commendation from the USCKT and from the Brittish Canoe Union.

History was made in August of 2001, as Jan put together the first team of Outrigger paddlers with disabiliites. This crew made a terrific run of the USCA sprint course. Jan thanks all who participated, for their energy and their abilities!

January, 8 2002
Rochester Rehab/Sportsnet and the Genesee Waterways Center are entering the sixth year of outrigger canoeing and our waves of excitement for  this New Year just keeps getting stronger.  The futureistic features of this canoe allow our friends and family with or without disability to enjoy leisure and competiative paddling together.  If you would like to participate or help with our program, please contact our program coordinator  Jan Whitaker for our spring calendar.