Summer Programs
NEHSA’s summer program provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to learn to kayak and paddleboard programs.
The Sunapee State Park Beach is home to the NEHSA kayak and paddle board programs.
NEHSA offers lessons to all ages and disabilities, June through September. Taking part in summer
sports provides our participants an opportunity to learn new skills, build up their physical strength
and have a great time in the outdoors with friends and family members
Type of Instruction
Adaptive Equipment and Techniques
NEHSA has a large inventory of summer sports equipment. We provide kayaks, paddles, personal flotation devices, and any adaptive equipment needed to make our students’ experience safe and enjoyable.
Instruction can range from the participant enjoying the feel of floating in the water while two instructors walk the boat back and forth in shallow water – we call this “sidewalking” and for many individuals fearful of the water it is a soothing introduction. Many of these participants go on to paddle themselves all over the lake!
Our boats can be equipped with pontoons for stability, adjustable seats for comfort and support, padding if needed for legs and/or feet.
For our more experienced participants desiring the feel of open water, our trained instructors will happily go on a tour of the lake!
Who can learn?
Anyone can enjoy the benefits of kayaking and/or paddle boarding! NEHSA offers adaptive lessons to people of all ages and all disabilities. Among the students participating in our summer activities are amputees, visually impaired, people who have experienced strokes, polio, life changing accidents, developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, and any other conditions for which people might require assistance.
NEHSA has a wide range of adaptive equipment available. Our kayaks and paddles can be modified for comfort and stability to meet the needs of anyone.
Pre-Season Training
It’s time to think about Kayak training. NEHSA serves the same wonderful population with Kayaking and Stand Up Paddle Boarding in the summer. Joining the Kayak Team is a great way to continue to “breathe the NEHSA air” during the summer months.
We will start with basic kayak training and familiarization with adaptive equipment. Later we will work on rescue training. We are always looking for new volunteers – no experience necessary – you can learn how to kayak with us! If you are interested in participating in kayak training, please contact info@NEHSA.org or call 603.763.9158 or click here for more details.
NEHSA Kayaking Program
Increasingly, people with disabilities are discovering kayaking as a recreational activity. NEHSA is now offering kayaking to individuals with all disabilities.
Who can attend
All abilities, skill levels and ages are welcome. NEHSA focuses on providing recreational kayaking experiences providing introductory experiences and skill development through events and regularly scheduled paddle days.
What you can expect
As with any NEHSA experience, priorities are safety, fun, and learning. It could begin with the instructor walking next to the kayak, mastering basic kayaking skills close to the shoreline or paddling across the lake. NEHSA has a wide range of standard and/or adaptive equipment. For many participants, minimal adaptations are necessary to enjoy kayaking.
What you should bring
Bring your NEHSA smile, bathing suit, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, towel, warm dry clothes to change into, a bag lunch, water, and a camera.
Kayak lessons would not be possible without the support of the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, Division of Parks and Recreation and Mount Sunapee State Park as the host site.
In partnership with
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NEHSA is a volunteer, non-profit organization operated by and for individuals with disabilities. Our goal is to integrate individuals with disabilities into society through social and recreational activities.