Serving Hamble, Southampton, the Isle of Wight and the South Coast
Launched in 2016, Wetwheels Hamble became the third regional operator for the national disability power boating charity Wetwheels Foundation. It is community interest company no. 12770886.
Wetwheels Hamble has her home at MDL's Mercury Yacht Harbour in Hamble, so is perfectly positioned to operate across the Southampton region, the Isle of Wight and the South Coast.
The Wetwheels experience is designed to enable every disabled person the chance to experience the excitement of power boating. Wetwheels boats are truly unique by being fully accessible - not just giving you the chance to be a passenger, but also to take the helm as the skipper - everybody gets the chance to drive!
We depend on the goodwill of our wonderfully experienced volunteers and generous donors to bring Wetwheels to you. If you would like to be part of a Wetwheels experience, it doesn't matter if you're young or old; Just get in touch with Suez in the office to arrange your visit.
The Wetwheels team look forward to welcoming you aboard.
We are offering an hour of fun on the water out of Berthon Lymington Marina for groups of up to 10 people including 3 wheelchair users. Leave disabilities behind on the shore and let the sea's blue health benefits improve your mental well being and stimulate your senses. .
We are offering a Full Experience of fun on the water out of Berthon Lymington Marina for groups of up to 10 people including 3 wheelchair users. Leave disabilities behind on the shore and let the sea's blue health benefits improve your mental well being and stimulate your senses. .
Join Wetwheels Hamble for some spooky Halloween fun - dress up if you dare and join us for a mysterious ride watching out for Ghosts, Ghouls and Zombie lurking along the creepy Hamble River. .
Supported by both Hamble and Hound Parish Councils these trips are specially planned for local residents; ex-servicemen, those affected by dementia and their families and carers. Come and make new memories together whilst we reminisce along the beautiful Hamble River with our special tours around Remembrance Day. .
Taster by name and Taster by nature! This one hour trip is a shorter version of our Full Experience and is ideal for first timers to try out Wetwheels Hamble to get a feel for the boat and the water before taking one of our longer experiences! This entry level excursion is a favourite for all ages, offers great value and quite simply the chance to get some much needed fresh air and blue therapy!.
Our original experience providing both time gently touring the River Hamble but also a powerboat experience offering the chance to drive with our fully qualified skipper providing tips and advice! It is ideal for all of our participants especially if you are keen for a little bit more adventure.
Taster by name and Taster by nature! This one hour trip is a shorter version of our Ocean Village Full Experience and is ideal for first timers to try out Wetwheels Hamble and get a feel for the boat and the water before taking one of our longer experiences! This entry level excursion is a favourite for all ages, offers great value and quite simply the chance to get some much needed fresh air and...
An experience providing both time gently exploring the Southampton dock area but also a powerboat experience where the boat travels into Southampton Water and the Solent at speed .... and even better everyone can have a chance to drive if they wish! .
Day trip to the beautiful Beaulieu River, stop at Bucklers Hard for a picnic or lunch ashore at the Captian's Table or Master Builders Arms .
We are offering an hour of fun on the water from Poole Quay Haven for groups of up to 10 people including 3 wheelchair users. Leave disabilities behind on the shore and let the sea's blue health benefits improve your mental well being and stimulate your senses. .
A perfect day trip to spend with family and friends. Take a scenic tour to along the Western Solent to The Needles and then picnic in Alum Bay or maybe lunch in Yarmouth? .
This trip is really relaxing way to spend some time on the water. Cruise along the Hamble River learning its history and enjoying is peaceful atmosphere and plentiful wildlife. It is ideal for our more senior participants, supports new memory building in dementia and offers relaxation and mindfulness for those feeling stressed anxious or depressed. 'Blue Health' from proximity to water, getting ou...
Having spent more than 40 years at a senior level in a range of charities including mental health and disability (20 years + as CEO), Ted retired in 2021. Ted holds a Masters degree in Organisational Development, a law degree and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health.
Before moving to Hamble in 2018, Ted was a senior Sea Cadet Officer in Hertfordshire & Malta teaching young people nautical skills, he is also a Power Boat Instructor. Ted was awarded an MBE in 2011 for his work in the voluntary sector.
Ted is currently the Chair of Wetwheels Hamble and focusses on HR, Governance and Fundraising and also acts as boat crew.
Suez joined WWH in June 2019, putting the excellent relationship management and operations experience that she gained from her 33 years in the yachting/marine industry to very good use. She was delighted to become a Director in October 2020.
Suez has sailed her whole life, loves being on the water and feels taking to the sea is an adventure that all should be able to enjoy.
Away from the water, Suez has a passion for Pilates and is a qualified instructor; she loves helping people improve their fitness and general wellbeing. Active in the Girl Guide and Scouting movements for 16 years she gained her Queens Guide Award and as a Sea Ranger regularly volunteered for the STA where she experienced sailing on the Malcolm Miller.
Suez is your first point of contact at Wetwheels Hamble, ready at the end of the phone to accommodate all your booking needs, so you can enjoy the Wetwheels Experience and make special new memories.
Ian Fiddaman opted out of the commercial rat race in 2000 to pursue a professional career afloat specialising in rescue & safety.
He lives on the Hamble River and is the Chief Instructor at Marine Power Training in Warsash.
During the past 20 years he spent 10 years volunteering as Helm of the local lifeboat and 15 years as Rescue Officer with the Island Coastguard.
He was the longest serving member of staff on the Extreme Sailing Series in which his 13 years culminated as Safety Officer for the trans global circuit of foiling catamarans.
His role with Wetwheels Hamble is Skipper and Trainer. “Its a phenomenal program, utterly humbling and absolutely brilliant being able to take so many people afloat”.
Philip’s earliest memories on the water were learning to sail at Felpham in the early 1970’s (yes, he really is that old!). Many years spent on big sailing boats (Contessa 32 being his love), Philip discovered the joys of Powerboats relatively late in life but soon became hooked, acting as Safety Boat Skipper for National and International sailing events locally on the Solent. Philip is an RYA Advanced Powerboat Instructor as well as a VHF Instructor Assessor / examiner, RYA RADAR and RYA Shorebased Navigation Instructor and Associate of the Royal Institute for Navigation and trains students all over the World. In 2022 Philip and his son Joseph ran the Southampton Marathon for Wetwheels Hamble. Joining the team of Wetwheels Hamble, initially as a volunteer crew, Philip was appointed to the board of Wetwheels Hamble in February 2024 and works with Suez, Ted and Ian to try and keep the pennies coming in so we can keep taking people out on the water!
We are delighted to report that Wetwheels Hamble has been named a finalist in two prestigious categories at the Third Sector Awards 2024. The organisation is in the running for both "Small Charity of the Year" and "Volunteer Team of the Year." These...
Newsletter Link https://mailchi.mp/84223725d02e/newsletter-december-5417564.
Video commissioned to alleviate anxiety amongst new participants (accompanies Story Board). Filmed on Wetwheels Solent, but provides an indication of what you can expect when you join us.
