Sarasota Mangroves | Oct 22–23
You know that feeling of discovering something new—a brand new experience—that moment your face lights up with the pure joy of discovery. Tyler (pictured below) said it best,
“This is so cool! This is exactly what I needed.”
As we paddled through winding mangrove channels, surrounded by water birds and curious creatures.
Here's something that might surprise you:
Only 9% of adults with exceptionalities (intellectual disabilities) meet basic physical activity guidelines, compared to 77% of the general population.
But here's what we know:
It's not because they don't want to move, explore, or push themselves. It's because they haven't had access to the right support and education to make it happen.
Families need—and deserve—an educational framework that breaks down outdoor skills, builds genuine confidence, and makes adventure accessible and joyful.
That's exactly why we're here, and why we do what we do.
Here at Adventure For All, we've created exactly that.
At our 2-Day Kayaking Camp, we break down every skill needed to kayak independently and provide educational instruction all while having an absolute blast!
This past week (October 22-23, 2025) Coach Amanda Baar, AFA Staff & Volunteers, in partnership with the Haven’s Reach Program, provided education to 20 participants learning to kayak independently. Here’s some highlights from our amazing camp:
Day 1: Fundamental Skills & Mindset
The first day is all about learning the skills. We break down each movement to its most basic form and attach a ‘cue’ to it so we can practice together.
Repetition builds mastery.
Once a skill is mastered, we combine a series of ‘cues’ into more complex movements. For example, the cue “Forward” is a combination of “Pull Left” and “Pull Right.”
Here we’re learning the basic push and pull movements involved with navigating a kayak in a safe, supportive environment.
Christian, one of our experienced exceptional athletes and Adventure For All Assistant Coach is demonstrating the movements for our participants.
The goal? To learn the cues so that when we are navigating the beautiful Sarasota Mangroves, everyone feels confident controlling the direction of their kayaks. Because when we break it down into manageable pieces, what once seemed impossible becomes absolutely achievable.
Day 2: The Kayaking Adventure
Today is all about the fun of the Adventure. Ten adventure athletes arrive, ready to explore the mangroves, and put their newfound skills to the test.
We take the fundamental skills from Day 1 and experience the pure joy of kayaking through the Sarasota Mangroves together.
We navigate through a series of winding mangrove channels, experiencing the beauty of nature and all the benefits that come with spending time outdoors in a shared adventure.
These Weren't Just Two Days on the Water
They were proof that when we create the right environment, provide skilled instruction, and believe unshakably in what's possible, our participants don't just learn to kayak.
They learn they're capable of more than they ever imagined.
They learn that challenges can be broken down.
That "I can't" can become "I did."
That their potential has no limits when they're surrounded by people who see them, believe in them, and cheer them on every stroke of the way.
