The Standing Spirit Project: Adaptive Kayak

Adaptive Kayak

The kayak that has been adapted for the Standing Spirit Project is a 22 foot Seaward Southwind , and it is the longest kayak built by Seaward. It has two cockpits, a centre hatch, and lots of storage space. The forward cockpit where Brad will be has been lengthened by 13 inches, allowing for easy access in the case of emergency. The crew can also access Brad's feet, legs, hips and torso for repositioning.

In the event that the kayak capsizes, grab handles have been added so that Brad can hook his forearms under them and hold himself in his cockpit, while the crew rights the boat.

In addition, an adaptive paddle mount has been added. This device does the lifting for Brad … it suspends the paddle's shaft in place in front of him so that Brad can make paddle strokes with the muscles that he does have.

Finally, outriggers have been added to the boat on both sides to prevent it from capsizing. 35 litre pontoons on either side each displace enough water to prevent the boat from capsizing in all but the roughest seas. They are positioned as secondary stability, in that they do not ride along on the surface of the

water. Instead, they are gradually immersed and add progressive buoyancy as the boat leans further to one side.