Parent & Me Paddling

Overview

Come out and play at the Newport Aquatic Center!  The Makapo programs at the NAC allow families whose members have disabilities the chance to get on the water and enjoy time together in a safe controlled activity.  Our Parent & Me Paddling Program welcomes families with young children to try outrigger paddling in Newport’s Back Bay.  We provide the equipment, instruction, and expertise to make your family’s time with us a memorable experience.  This is a great way to try paddling for the first time.

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Parent & Me paddling is a great way to get outdoors, meet other parents who have kiddos with disabilities, and learn a new sport.  Outrigger paddling and the culture surrounding it are based on Ohana and acceptance, and we want you to be a part of it.

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Groups will be paddling in a "double-hull" canoe.  We can sit up to 10 guests at a time in the canoe.  Makapo will provide paddles and life jackets for all participants.  We also will give you a full introduction to paddling to get you ready for your paddle with us.  

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Our sessions last about 50 minutes.

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Who can paddle?

We welcome children as young as six (6) years old.  Kiddos with either physical disabilities or IDD. Due to safety restrictions we cannot allow some to participate.  The following criteria must be met for a child to be allowed in the canoe:

• The child must be able to sit  upright in the canoe unassisted.

• The child  must be able to follow  simple 2 and 3 step instructions.

• The child must not show any aggression towards themselves or others.

• The child must not have a stron elopement history.

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This program is intended for the child AND parent to paddle together.  A child must be accompanied by the parent or caregiver.

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Do you still have questions?

If you need more answers, feel free to reach out via phone (714.8486252) or email us at keikikrew@makapo.org

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