Pop-up Palooza: Accessible Kayaking & Cycling Exploration, hosted by Rochester Accessible Adventures (RAA), was held Saturday, August 7, at the Brockport Welcome Center, allowing participants of all abilities to try standard and adaptive kayaking and cycling equipment that best met their needs. The event was sponsored by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor as a 1st Mile Challenge event, affording people with disabilities and their family and friends opportunities to recreate together and build more active lifestyles.
RAA is a nonprofit that was formed to transform how recreation businesses offer their services, ensuring that they are able to provide inclusive and accessible experiences every time their doors are open. RAA works closely with its Community Health Inclusion partner, Erie Canal Boat Company, which has locations in Medina, Fairport, and Lockport and is expanding its business across the Western New York Erie Canalway. Because of its work with RAA, Erie Canal Boat Company now offers kayak and cycle rentals with standard and adaptive equipment available.
The Canalway Trail, which is part of the Empire State Trail, is accessible for people of all abilities to walk, stroll with a wheelchair, or cycle. The trail meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Several places along the canal have adaptive kayak launches, but Brockport’s is the first BoardSafe accessible launch on the canal. The second customized dock will be opening soon in Fairport.
According to Anita O’Brien, Executive Director of Rochester Accessible Adventures, BoardSafe’s customized and highly accessorized docks/launches fit the needs of canal mandates and the wide variety of needs of the community. RAA is working with BoardSafe to have more accessible dock/launches installed along the canalway in places like Spencerport, Medina, and Canandaigua, among others.
Tony Gruttadauro, of Brockport, was just one of those who attended the event. “My wife and I got excited when the kayak launch in Brockport was completed. The same week of completion I rode my power chair out onto the launch and dreamed of some day experiencing the joy of kayaking. Today that dream came true with the help from Rochester Accessible Adventures and the folks from the Brockport Welcome Center,” he said.
Tony was paired with Gerry Wahl, an RAA volunteer CanalPal who rides or cycles along with those who rent adaptive equipment from Erie Canal Boat Company. Tony said, “The RAA staff and volunteers are instructive and friendly. Safety is first and foremost with the RAA staff. I was outfitted with a life vest and using the launch was explained completely by knowledgeable staff. This is the first time I have ever been kayaking and it is easier than I expected. Being (out of my wheelchair) on the water with my son was freeing.”
After kayaking, Tony tried cycling using a bike adapted with hand pedals. “I will say that cycling was more difficult for me than kayaking… or maybe I shouldn’t do both in one afternoon.”
The event and the opportunities showcased meant so much to Tony. “Today was one of the most enjoyable days I’ve had in a long time. Having a disease that slowly takes away your independence can be one of your greatest enemies. Regaining any small piece of my independence is like winning Olympic gold.
“Thank you all those involved in bringing the kayak launch to Brockport and a very special thank you to the Rochester Accessible Adventures.”
Bob Radliff, Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, said, “We hope that communities and businesses throughout the canal corridor continue to design, build, and offer experiences that are inclusive for all.”
Another Pop-up Palooza event is scheduled for September 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Erie Canal Boat Company in Fairport. Register at www.RochesterAccessibleAdventures.org/event/pop-up-palooza/.
These events are part of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor’s Accessible Tourism Marketing Initiative and 1st Mile Challenge of the Canalway Challenge. These initiatives are supported by the National Park Service and by Market New York through I LOVE NY, New York State’s Division of Tourism, as a part of the State’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative.
