Barrier-free boating for all disabled people

The Wetwheels Foundation would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all who took part and donated, as we announce we have raised over £4,100 through our 2.6 Challenge 

Wetwheels provides the opportunity for all disabled people, including those with profound and complex disabilities, to access the sea in a safe, stimulating and rewarding way on board specially-built, fully-accessible powerboats.

The design features of Wetwheels’ accessible powerboats enable people of all disabilities to participate in the activities.  These design features include wheelchair access to the boat with a ramp to the steering position and adapted steering controls to suit people with reduced mobility.  The boats have space for family, friends and carers to share the experience with our disabled participants.

In addition to the design features, one of the unique aspects of the Wetwheels experience is the training we give to our skippers and volunteer crew.  All receive our bespoke disability awareness in a maritime context training, which helps all our participants feel safe and confident to take the helm and drive the boat.

By offering the opportunity to experience the sea – not just as passengers, but as active participants – we build confidence and improve physical and mental wellbeing.

The Wetwheels concept was developed and pioneered by disabled adventurer, Geoff Holt MBE DL, and is proven to be highly successful.

Dear Friends, we are currently unable to welcome disabled participants who would normally be coming onboard Wetwheels.  We cannot say with certainty when we will be able to start running trips, due to the restrictions on social distancing linked to the coronavirus. The health and safety of our participants, staff and crew is our number one priority.

This is clearly a particularly difficult situation as it would normally be a very busy time. We know the huge benefit being on the water has for so many people - but we also know you will understand why we have had to make this decision.

We are keeping the situation under review. We are talking with colleagues across our fleet and all our partner locations, to understand how and when we might be able to restart. When we do so, we will ensure we are thoroughly ready, and this will include changes to policies and procedures to help keep everyone safe.

We will make further announcements here on our website and via our social media. In the meantime, should you have any questions or wish to enquire about the provisional booking of trips please email us at enquiries@wetwheelsfoundation.org