Inclusive & accessible Paddling

Paddling should be for everyone

At Och Aye Canoe, I want paddling to be as welcoming, inclusive, and accessible as possible.

Having a disability, health condition, additional support need or simply feeling unsure about whether you’ll manage doesn’t necessarily mean paddling isn’t for you.

Sometimes we just need to do things a little differently.

I keep my sessions small, friendly and relaxed, which gives me time to adapt to the individual rather than expecting everyone to learn or participate in the same way.

I can consider things such as:

  • Physical and mobility needs
  • Limb difference
  • Neurodiversity and additional support needs
  • Confidence following illness or injury
  • Quieter or slower-paced sessions
  • Private 1-to-1 paddling

You don't need to know what adaptations you need.

Experience that matters

I've had the privilege of providing paddling experiences for people with a wide range of abilities and support needs.

This has included work involving Help for Heroes, BLESMA and limbless veterans, as well as supporting individual paddlers with limb loss and additional needs.

I'm also a member of the Paddle Scotland Accessibility Group, have completed Paddleability training and am a current Paddleability Tutor, I was a 2026 Paddle Scotland Recognition Awards finalist for Impact on Equality & Diversity, as well as the 2024 Paddle UK Quality Experience Award winner and also winner of 2024 Scottish Businesswoman of the Year.

Why it matters to me

Accessibility is personal to me too.

In my early twenties, I underwent major vascular surgery on my leg followed by around two years of physiotherapy. For a period of my life, I also held a disabled parking badge.

Paddling became part of my own journey back into being active — and eventually led to me creating Och Aye Canoe.

Och Aye Canoe owner Sarah had a blue-disabled badge in her early 20's due to a trapped artery in her leg, and then a subsequent femoro-popliteal bypass operation to her leg.

What happens next?

💬 Have a chat
Tell me what you'd like to try and anything you're concerned about.

🛶 We'll make a plan
We'll consider the craft, location, session length and any additional support that might help.

😊 Get on the water
We'll take things at your pace, with no pressure to keep up with anyone else.

Accessible paddling starts with a conversation.

💬 Talk to Sarah