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CST Experiences

WATER ACCESSIBILITY

A disabled child is lowered into an accessible sailing boat using a hoist at Children's Sailing Trust

Accessible Watersports

Our activity staff are professionally trained, with experience of teaching young people and adults with special educational needs and disabilities. We offer integrated watersports sessions with adapted equipment so visitors with physical disabilities can participate in group sessions, and focused sessions so that visitors with special educational needs can learn at a pace that is right for them. Information about the activities and courses provided is available below.

Accessible Sailing

A young disabled lad sails in an accessible dinghy with an instructor supporting him

We have a fleet of Hansa 2.3 and 303 dinghies that are ideally designed to offer that first sail. We also have a 2-point hoist (and slings) we can use to assist sailors into the deckchair style seat plus additional support padding if required so you can either take to the water alone or with an experienced sailor by your side. Either way, you will have a memorable and fun sailing experience with us! These boats are available for use in any of our Trevassack Lake sailing sessions.

Kayaking with disabilities

Family with disabled child using accessible kayak with Children's Sailing Trust Experiences

Experience kayaking with either a single seated or double-seated kayak. Available with back supports, beanbags and cushions to offer back support for the kayaker and can be hired independently or with an instructor to lead the session.

Depending on mobility, it may be more practical for smaller persons to sit in the lap of a carer on a double kayak, with an instructor paddling.

Paddleboarding for all abilities

A group of children using the CST Mega SUP

Our inflatable SUP boards are strong and rigid to offer support whether standing or sitting. With individual and multi-person SUP boards available, we can offer an independent experience or a more supported one, with an on-board Instructor providing closer supervision and guidance.

The Mega-SUP can accommodate up to 6 adults, so there is plenty of space available to find the perfect place aboard. It’s also incredibly stable for those with limited mobility to sit or lie on.

Floating Classroom for wheelchair users

A new and innovative way to get on the water! The first of its kind, the floating classroom can accommodate wheelchairs aboard.

‘Floaty’ is solar-powered with a battery powering it quietly across the water to either tour the lake or stay still out in the middle of the water.

Aided Lake Swimming

Coached swim session in Trevassack Lake with CST Experiences

Trevassack offers a safe, secure location for open water swimming, close to changing facilities with hot showers and the cafe.

One of our open water swim coaches, with experience of additional needs, is able to offer bespoke swimming experiences tailored to your ability and enjoyment. This includes a floating wheelchair (coming in 2022), floatation devices and adapted lifejackets. There are great benefits to wild swimming, and we want to share this memorable experience with as many people as possible. 

Accessible Multi-Activities

Accessible watersports activity sessions with Childrens Sailing Trust

We also offer multi-activity accessible sessions, a fantastic way to experience a wide range of watersports on adapted equipment at the same time. 

Activities can include kayaking, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, raft building, team games and wild swimming. There are also holiday courses available where we aim to try each of these activities at least once over the course of 4 half days.