March 2023 - Parks & Recreation - 56

Park Bench
Accessible Water Sports for Older Adults
After stepping into a kayak, pushing off the bank and taking that first stroke of the paddle in the water, it's easy to understand
why anyone can get hooked on human-powered water sports. Paddling and playing in the water bring people and nature together
for a blend of relaxation and exhilaration. There are so many good reasons to be on the water: exercise, socialization, appreciation
of surroundings and enjoyment.
As park and recreation professionals, we examine ways to promote healthy living, connect with others and ensure continued
awareness for conservation of natural areas. Providing access to water sports is a perfect recipe for all those endeavors. The question
is: How do we make it desirable for older adults to access lakes, rivers and oceans to get their paddle on?
Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation (LOPR; Oregon) identified and addressed some of the key difficulties in accessing water sports for
older adults. Getting into and out of a kayak or standing up on a paddleboard can be intimidating for anyone looking to learn the skills of
these popular activities. For people ages 50 and older who don't know where to go to access the water, have no equipment or haven't ever paddled
before, it can be doubly challenging. The main goal for the design of LOPR 50+ Kayak Trips is to remove barriers of self-consciousness
and fear of failure and allow participants to have fun, stay safe, and build skills and confidence while exploring a river, lake or ocean.
Providing water sports in a safe, non-threatening environment for older adults is key to increasing participation. A 50+ Kayak Tour,
planned for fall while the water depth is lower, the water temperature is warmer and there is less boating traffic, helps keep the water
calmer for safer paddling. Adding the familiarity of a local recreation center to meet and receive transportation by bus to a local waterfront
launch, along with the provision of equipment and an easy, no-pressure lesson by assistants and instructors, gives patrons an
opportunity to join their peers - thereby reducing anxiety and encouraging participation.
During the lesson, safety precautions are repeated so everyone can hear and understand. Extra time is given to ask questions on
shore, and inflatable and hard-shell equipment are available. These options enable participants to try out different equipment and
find their preferences. Skills, like getting into and out of the kayak and paddling, are taught verbally first, then demonstrated in a
fashion that proves grace of technique is not necessary and allows extra time to practice on land and water.
Humor and patience are vital to a successful experience. After the paddle, ensure there is plenty of information about rentals and other putin/take-out
paddle spots. Allow time for questions and photos. One group's experience in and around accessible water areas geared toward a
population of people ages 50 and older may lead someone to a new love for water sports and a life-changing journey along the lazy river.
- Jan Wirtz, Deputy Director, Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation
Providing water sports in a safe,
non-threatening environment for
older adults is key to increasing
participation.
56 Parks & Recreation | MARCH 2 0 2 3
| PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G
PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKE OSWEGO PARKS AND RECREATION

March 2023 - Parks & Recreation

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