Accessible activities: Kidz Board’s summer of things they love

What links sailing a tall ship and directing your dog over obstacles? Cricket and canal boats? Speeding around a race track and sleeping under canvas? It’s simple. We wished we’d tried them all sooner. In a society where accessibility can’t be relied on at work, school or for leisure, finding what you love to do as a young wheelchair user can be a challenge. Whizz Kidz is here to help. Our activity programmes and Kidz Max Days offer many activities you’ve never had the chance to try before or might not even know were an option in a  wheelchair.

When you find an activity you love, it’s not long before it becomes a part of your life, and you start describing yourself as a sailor, cricketer, or camper. Summer is the perfect time to indulge in your passion as you have more time and the sun will always shine, at least when you daydream about your favourite thing to do, even if we all know you should have brought a coat in soggy reality. 

We asked our Kidz Board, the campaigning group of young wheelchair users at the heart of the charity, about what accessible activities they love to do in the summer. The activities are so varied that it shows that there’s something for everyone to enjoy, indulge in and get passionate about. Let us know on our socials what you like to do when you get some precious free time.

Rebecca loves cricket

Why do you love this activity?

I love playing cricket because it is a great way to take your mind off things and have fun. Cricket is very much an individual sport within a team sport, so all the work you do individually in the nets can benefit the team.

Where do you do it?

I play for the Surrey pan-disability cricket team and the Surrey wheelchair cricket team. 

What’s the best thing about it?

The best thing about it is hitting balls hard when batting because it is so satisfying and a great way to eliminate any frustration!

How does it make you feel when you do it?

While playing cricket, I am very much ‘in the zone’. Nothing else matters in those moments except the ball I’m facing, bowling, or fielding. I feel calm, energised and free. 

What would you say to encourage other young people to have a go?

Wheelchair/Disability Cricket isn’t one of those sports that people immediately think of when they think of wheelchair sports (often thinking about wheelchair basketball or tennis), but it really can be for you. Cricket is for everyone, whatever your disability and whether you like being part of a team sport or prefer the more individual net training. Just give it a go.

What one tip can you give us – something you wish you’d known when you started?

Cricket has always been a huge part of my life, and when I became a wheelchair user, I thought I couldn’t play anymore, but I was wrong. I’m so so glad we reached out and asked about continuing to play cricket in a wheelchair; otherwise, I would not be playing for two Surrey teams or playing at all. So what I wish I’d known when I started playing cricket in my wheelchair is that I can do it.

Caitlin loves canal boat holidays

Why do you love this activity?

I feel truly free and independent. I used to go on canal boats as a kid, and it was just wonderful to be back again. I even got to drive the boat on my own. I have complete control for once and can take my family somewhere by myself.

Where do you do it?

Bruce Boats Kennet & Avon Canal Trust. 

What’s the best thing about it?

Being independent and being able to do something I loved as a kid, which I thought my disability had taken from me.

How does it make you feel when you do it?

I feel free and like I can take on the world. Being in the outdoors like that was just wonderful, and having a moving home meant I could explore every town and village and properly explore.

What would you say to encourage other young people to have a go?

It can seem scary to go somewhere that’s not home, but you have your family around you and can create a home for yourself on the water. You don’t need to go far, and they will recommend places that are accessible for you, but just getting to be outside all the time is just wonderful. I’d say give it a go, take on the outdoors and explore. 

What one tip can you give us – something you wished you’d known when you started?

Don’t be scared to have a go. Drive the boat if you want to, help out at the locks, ask for help when you need it and just do what you can. Anything is worthy.

Brandon loves sailing Tall Ships

Why do you love this activity?

A tall ship voyage is something different. Many people thought it was something I couldn’t do, so I wanted to give it a go. Even though you are working on the ship, it still feels like a holiday.

Where do you do it?

It was a project that was happening in Sunderland. A friend of mine mentioned it, so we went to ask about it. In 2018 I went on three voyages, from London to Scotland, Cadiz to La Coruna in Spain, and another one from Sunderland to Denmark, where I was a watch leader in charge of a group of people and met with the Captain every morning to feedback instruction to the group. Just a week ago, the tall ships were docked in Hartlepool as part of the tall ships race, the accessible ship SV Tenacious wasn’t there, but it was still great to see them again.

What’s the best thing about it?

It’s a bit of a break from everyday life. There is no phone signal when you are out, so you can really enjoy the moment and everything that is around you. 

How does it make you feel when you do it?

Great. Like nothing can stop you. Anything is possible.

What would you say to encourage other young people to have a go?

It’s not what you expect. It’s a job, but it’s so fun and something different.

What one tip can you give us – something you wish you’d known when you started?

Just have a go.

Georgia loves camping

Why do you love this activity?

I love camping because it’s a holiday and an experience like no other. You spend a week staying on a fully accessible and adapted campsite with other people with disabilities, but there's no judgement, just a group of people coming together to go on holiday together, getting involved with everything from cooking the meals to having a dip in the pool with people from up and down the country to experience the magic. It's a holiday for everyone involved. 

Where do you do it?

Every summer, I camp at an incredible place called Woodlarks Campsite. The camp I attend is called Pathfinders, but they have various camps on offer for multiple age groups and abilities throughout the summer. Everyone is split into a patrol, which is the team you stay in for the week, and you stay under a fully accessible canvas tent. Each camper has a helper for the week, and both of you are very quickly thrown into a week of laughter and activities. Each year has a different theme. 

What’s the best thing about it?

The best things about it for me (and there are many) is the sense of community, friendship and teamwork, and I adore going back every year when I get the chance. You go home at the end of the week smelling of campfire and exhausted, but leave with a mind filled with memories and new experiences. We also do some pretty awesome activities, like swimming at the onsite pool, and the site even has its own zip wire.

How does it make you feel when you do it?

When I'm camping at Woodlarks, I'm "just Georgia”. I'm on holiday and relaxing with my friends. For me, it’s a home away from home. Some people say that Disneyland is the happiest and most magical place on earth, but for me, Woodlarks shares that title. 

What would you say to encourage other young people to have a go?

You'll make friends for life. If you have ever been interested in camping but didn't think it was possible because of your disability, please think again! It's a holiday like no other, and I promise you won't regret giving it a go. I packed my bag one year, not knowing what to expect, and immediately fell in love. It’s been a highlight of my summer for a fair few years now.

What one tip can you give us — something you wish you’d known when you started?

Something I wish I had known was that there was something like this available to me sooner. I live a short drive from the campsite that I go to and didn't have a clue it existed until a family member's tutor told us about it and thought it was something I might enjoy. They were right, I started attending as a teenager, and I'm now in my 20s and haven't looked back.

Caitlyn loves Formula One and motorsport

Caitlyn is passionate about raising awareness of disability in motorsport and had the opportunity to meet Nicolas Hamilton (above), who races with Cerebral Palsy.

Why do you love this activity?

Initially, my interest in motorsport began in 2019 when I watched an F1 race at home, instantly intrigued, and it didn’t take long until it became a hobby. 

From then on, I started to explore different series of motorsport, including the industry’s approach to promoting disability, and I came across BTCC - British Touring Car Championships. When I found out that they raced in Scotland, I knew I had to go. 

I attended my first BTCC race at Knockhill in July 2021, and it’s been an annual summer outing since. Heading back on August 14th this year, and I can’t wait! 

Where do you do it?

Knockhill Racing Circuit, Fife. 

What’s the best thing about it?

The best thing about BTCC is that it’s a U.K wide sport when coming to Scotland. It’s great to have a ‘local’ motorsport event! Driver signings are a brilliant addition on Sunday – race day. Guests can walk through the paddock and meet all drivers from all teams for signings, included in your ticket.

How does it make you feel when you do it?

Certainly, a mixture of emotions as anything can happen, but energetic and exciting, always a brilliant atmosphere!

What would you say to encourage other young people to have a go?

The thrill of racing is for anyone, any age and any ability, to enjoy the day! 

What one tip can you give us – something you wish you’d known when you started?

When purchasing your tickets, Knockhill provides a limited amount of badges to secure an accessible parking space – email the circuit to obtain one with a copy of your blue badge, and it will be sent out to you a few weeks before the race weekend. 

The first time I’ll have one this year, as all sold out previously. I really hope it’ll make all the difference for access, being closer to the track and being able to watch from the car if need be, as usually, we’ve had to park a fair bit away from the circuit… fingers crossed!

Ella loves dog agility

Why do you love this activity?

I love dog agility because it is something I can do with my sister and her dog. It challenges both of us, and we have to come up with creative and new solutions for doing things. Plus, it’s lots and lots of fun!

Where do you do it?

I’m lucky enough to live near a local agility trainer, and we train at her field; it provides a really nice environment where we can usually do one-to-one sessions.

What’s the best thing about it?

I am a competitive person and enjoy the potential to compete. It also really tires my dog out.

How does it make you feel when you do it?

Agility is something I did before I was paralysed when I was able-bodied and something I didn’t think I would do again. Knowing I can enjoy it again makes me feel that life is normal again, just in a different way.

What would you say to encourage other young people to have a go?

I would encourage all young people to have a go with their dog. While there are very few wheelchair users taking part in agility, it can be done, and you can adapt it. It is a really good bonding activity for you and your dog.

What one tip can you give us – something you wish you’d known when you started?

One thing I wish I had known before I started again as a wheelchair user is that I will need to re-learn everything. And that I will definitely fall out of my chair a few times. I get so into it that I forget to look where my chair is going and run into jumps!

Rebecca loves the Calvert Trust

Why do you love this activity?

I love the outdoors and adventure activities, so I wanted an accessible place to do these activities. I found Calvert Lakes online, and they seemed perfect, so I booked for four days with my friend. 

Where do you do it?

I went to Calvert Lakes in the Lake District, but the Calvert Trust has activity centres in other areas across the UK, e.g., Calvert Exmoor. They are all completely accessible and designed with disabled people in mind. 

What’s the best thing about it?

The best thing about it is that you can do so many different fun activities that I’d never think I’d be able to do, e.g., abseiling in your wheelchair! You also don’t feel like a burden, and your needs are accommodated, thought through, and accepted. You are not an afterthought, as everything is accessible from the get-go. 

How does it make you feel when you do it?

It makes me feel free and powerful. I felt really happy, enthused, and mentally fulfilled. 

What would you say to encourage other young people to have a go?

If you are looking for an accessible family holiday or holiday with your friends, then I would recommend looking at the Calvert Trust because it is so inclusive that it takes so much preparation out of it. You can actually do all of the activities, so you are not just left watching on the side while everyone else gets to do the fun things. 

What one tip can you give us – something you wish you’d known when you started?

I wish I had just gone for it earlier. I was worried about being away with just my friend and whether I’d really be able to do all of the activities. But I met an amazing group of people we still chat with on the group chat and had so much fun. 

Caitlyn loves concerts

Why do you love this activity?

I love attending concerts as it’s a brilliant night out. The most recent concert I went to was the Hollywood Vampires (Alice Cooper, Joe Perry and Johnny Depp supergroup) on 12th July.

Where do you do it?

Mostly, OVO Arena, Bellahouston Park and O2 Academy, Glasgow. 

What’s the best thing about it?

The excitement leading up to it—looking forward to attending once tickets are purchased, planning outfits, and even walking or wheeling to the entrance, knowing I’m here and it’s happening!

How does it make you feel when you do it?

I feel like I can lose myself in the music of an artist/band. Finding myself with a slight sore throat the next day from singing is always worth it. 

What would you say to encourage other young people to have a go?

Purchasing tickets for major concerts can seem confusing. Always have paperwork relating to your disability to hand. When booking with Ticketmaster, after purchasing an accessible ticket and companion, they may ask for documentation just to check that you are eligible to receive it. It can be a varied process and is dependent on ticket websites and venues.

What one tip can you give us—something you wish you’d known when you started?

Purchase a radar key for accessible toilets. I always have my radar key with me at concerts, as certain venues do have this system, meaning that unless you have a key on your person or from staff, you can’t access the toilet, so it’s not being misused.