Kayaking
Adaptive Kayaking Program
The BORP Adaptive Kayaking Program in Berkeley provides safe flatwater kayaking opportunities for people with disabilities and their companions. We’re happy to serve both new and experienced paddlers. We often work with paddlers to help fine-tune the best set up for each person to maximize their safety and independence on the water. 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.
Balanced Events: In order to serve folks as fairly as possible, BORP kayaking is by reservation only. We will accept reservation requests mostly in the order they are received, but will make adjustments to ensure equal access to our gear, as well as to regulars and newcomers.
Kayaking is located at the BORP Adaptive Cycling Center at 80 Bolivar Dr. in Berkeley, on a one-mile long enclosed brackish lagoon in Berkeley’s Aquatic Park.
The BORP Kayaking program features a number of universal design and adaptive solutions to help make kayaking successful for all. These include:
- 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 yet maneuverable kayaks, including pedal-kayaks
- Stabilizing outriggers
- Adaptive mitts and paddles
For more information, to sign up for kayaking, or to be added to the email list, please contact: kayak@borp.org.

Volunteer with us!
What do volunteers do?
On Land Roles:
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Welcome and Check In: Welcome and check in participants, ensure all forms are completed, and direct participants to where they can store belongings, and where the bathroom is.
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PFDs: Ensure every participant is wearing a well-fitted personal floatation device (PFD) and that all straps are snug and fastened.
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Set up & Put Away: Help set out and put away all our gear including lift, kayaks, paddles, PFDs, adaptive equipment, signs, emergency equipment etc.
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Dock Assistance: Assist the dock manager with transfers, boat fitting, and launching.
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Land Launcher: Assist those launching from land.
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Dock Safety Watcher: Use sight and binoculars to watch kayakers on the water, and keep track of who is on the water.
On the Water Roles:
Primary and Support Safety Boaters: Experienced paddlers who can execute a rescue if needed, provide instruction and support with paddling, and any other support needed such as a tow.
Boating Assistants: Paddlers on the water who can be nearby to offer assistance and alert Safety Boaters if need be. Must be independent in the water, but need not be experienced paddlers.
Tandem Paddlers: Experienced paddlers who can 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 opportunities are provided in the spring and throughout the year.