Kayaking
Adaptive Kayaking Program
We provide safe flatwater kayaking for people with disabilities and their companions. We work with paddlers to find the best set up to maximize safety and independence on the water. Great for both new and experienced paddlers. With know-how, adaptive tools, and a gorgeous location, we help make kayaking a great experience for everyone. Whether you want to exercise, bird watch, or just try something new, BORP Kayaking is happy to help.
Upcoming Events
ANNOUNCING PRE-SEASON EVENTS!
Paddle with us!
Located at the BORP Adaptive Cycling & Kayaking Center at 80 Bolivar Dr. in Berkeley, on a one-mile long enclosed brackish lagoon in Berkeley’s Aquatic Park. Our season runs from May – October and we offer Consultations year round.
WE OFFER:
Curious about how our program works or what adaptations might serve you best? Sign up for an appointment HERE and we”ll be in touch. Phone consultations are FREE. In-person Fit Appointments are included in a BORP Membership.
Fit Appointments are an opportunity to see the space, learn about our adaptive solutions, and have 1:1 time to establish the best boat and set up to meet your needs. They may take place on land or on the water and usually last about an hour. For many, a fit appointment is the first step before participating in Paddle Days. While fit appointments are not required, they are strongly recommended if adaptive kayaking is new to you, your concerns are complex, or if you’d simply like to learn more. Fit Appointments can be scheduled at any mutually agreed upon time.
Our team assists with moving boats, transfers, fit, and launch, and keeps a safety boater on the water. You enjoy paddling! Included in BORP Membership. Check our calendar for dates.
BORP Membership grants you access to these special events, though there may be additional fees and scholarships are always available. Past trips have been to Sausalito with ETC and Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline with East Bay Regional Parks District! Join our mailing list or check the calendar to know about offerings.
We can tailor a group paddle event just for you and your group, including all adaptive solutions! Available to the public and non-members. More information here.
BORP Kayaking Center Features:
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- A wheelchair accessible dock with adaptive kayak launch a short distance from parking
- A number of tools to assist transferring into and out of kayaks including: a transfer slide bench, transfer chairs of varying heights, and a motorized lift
- Onsite accessible restrooms
- A fleet of stable kayaks, including pedal-kayaks
- Stabilizing outriggers
- Adaptive mitts and paddles
For more information, or to be added to the email list, please contact: kayak@borp.org.
Volunteer with us!
On Land Roles
- Welcome and check in
- Life jacket fit
- Moving boats and gear for set up and closing.
- Assist with boat fitting and launching as well as keeping eyes on the water.
On the Water Roles:
- Experienced paddlers can be safety boaters on the water.
- Any independent paddler can be nearby to offer assistance as needed.
- Experienced paddlers may join another individual in a tandem boat for balance and power support.
Like fixing stuff?
We can always use support to keep our fleet and equipment working well.
Group Volunteering?
At least twice a year we host a group of volunteers to do routine cleaning and organization. We’d love to host your group for a fun outdoor service day!
Training opportunity coming this May 4 & 5, 2024! If you are unable to attend, apprentice training is also provided throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
We typically hold two paddle days per month from May – October, as well as a few destination trips each season. We offer Fit Appointments year round.
Kayaking is by reservation only in order to ensure safe equitable participation. We offer both paddle days as well as 1:1 Fit Appointments. Sign up at the link above or leave a message at: (510) 256-3533
BORP Programs rely on individual contributions as well as grants. A membership program will be rolling out in January 2024 and kayak events will be included in that membership. There may be an additional fee for specific events.
Yes. While most of our events are at Aquatic Park in Berkeley with our own boats and accessible dock, we try to hold a few destination paddles each season. Check our webpage for specifics.
Sometimes. While we are lucky to have excellent volunteers to support us, we can’t guarantee we’ll always have enough staff and volunteers to provide a tandem partner. You are always welcome to bring a companion. If you need us to provide a tandem partner, just let us know and we’ll do our best to provide one.
While we often have volunteers available for tandem paddling, it is not guaranteed. For minors, it’s preferred for a family member or other qualified adult to be the tandem partner.
We have a diverse fleet of stable plastic recreational kayaks that include solos, tandems, sit-insides, sit-on-tops, and solo pedal kayaks. Our sit-insides have large open cockpits and we do not use spray skirts. Our boats are excellent for our flatwater location.
Stories and News about the program
Major thanks to Girls Garage!!
Major thanks to Girls Garage!! This awesome crew created and installed a new beautiful ADA picnic table and three new gorgeous redwood planters! They’re also helping fix up some of
