David King welcomes veterans to the training support group, and briefly states the mission and purpose of the NBVO.
He introduces our guest Joel Marini of Riverboat Team River Runner.
Team River Runner is an adaptive team paddling program. They use primarily kayaks, but any boat that you can paddle including rafts and inflatable are included.
It started as a group local to Walter Reed Hospital, and has now expanded to a nationwide program.
Many adaptive sports are event-based, where team River Runner’s lifestyle based.
Anywhere they can find volunteers, the chapter can be started for veterans or active-duty military and their families.
Inclusive, purpose, lifestyle and generosity are their core tenets.
The first thing is the get people to enjoy participating in the program. Individuals are then encouraged to take leadership to help others learn to paddling techniques.
Nearly every state has a chapter, and sometimes more than one. Starting a chapter involves finding leaders in the community, as well as participants who enjoy being out on the water. Sponsorship from large companies provide the kayaks and equipment. Other funding comes from a veteran administration adaptive sports grant. Funds are used to equip and train members in a chapter. Or to start new chapters.
Joe opens the floor to answer questions.
What’s the website? Www.TeamRunner.org
Joe describes how he puts blind paddlers into kayaks on white water, and is looking to expand into other countries including Europe and Asia.
Safety is a big concern, and Joe describes the limitations. If someone has a tracheotomy or if someone is a full quadriplegic. The risk is that water would get into the tracheotomy. In the case of quadriplegics, they could at least get the individual into a boat and paddled them around. They just wouldn’t be able to paddle on their own, of course.
As a community, when a regular paddler doesn’t show up, others in the group will often reach out to see if there is a personal issue they’re dealing with.
There’s a lot of fun to be had, but Joe also recognizes the seriousness in the nature of being underwater.
More questions are asked.
Where in North Carolina are there chapters? Joe acknowledges he doesn’t know because they move around a lot. The best thing to do is check out the website to see what current locations are. There is a fairly active group in Charlotte North Carolina. Volunteers and leaders come and go, for a variety of reasons.
Is there a program for blind children? Paddle site program started something for kids called kids are out of sight program (KAOS program). It gets the whole family safely paddling together.
Joe also describes how football is played on kayaks. A super kayak bowl is running once a year like the Super Bowl.
Is kayak football only for the blind? Are paddlers required to wear blindfolds while playing? No, no blindfolds required. The team is open for all of including amputees, the blind, or other disabilities as well as those who are cited.
Are there any chapters in Indiana? Joe mentions one that is no longer functioning that had been in norther Indiana. He is working on getting one operating close to Terre Haute. Joe points out the quickest way that works is to start the chapter near a military base or VA Hospital. Recreational therapists have been instrumental in getting chapters started.
Joe encourages veterans to get the word out mouth to mouth.
A question is raised about going fishing while kayaking. Hero is on the water is a fishing program for veterans.
Joe reminds us that River Runner’s lifestyle driven. During the warm months they look for open water to paddle on. In the winter they paddle and swimming pools.
A question is raised about the type of equipment used. Joe describes some of the adaptations for those who are amputees. Using pedals to paddle, or a writer to help steer.
Chapters from different areas often coordinate, and a network of a paddling family is growing.
David King takes control to let us know were almost out of time. Joe recommends visiting the webpage, and looking for programs. All the various chapters are listed. You could also contact Joe to his email, or you can contact the chapter directly. Joe also recommends to call him directly: (301)233-8882
David reminds veterans where to find the posted recording on both YouTube and our website. Final introductions are made for those who logged on to the meeting late. Our next meeting will be scheduled for July 11.
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active-duty Marine Corps. Missouri air National Guard.
Hillsboro, Illinois
Keith was a sergeant of an infantry platoon, and for a short time acting platoon commander. In the air National Guard, he was an air traffic control radar maintenance man. While never seeing combat himself, he personally trained many who went to serve in that role.
In preparing for his career in the Air National Guard, Keith was honor grad at his tech school. A similar level of certification that would equate to a two-year degree in electronic technology. On his way to completing retirement, he reached a proficiency as a seven level and his military occupation specialty. His service was cut short due to blindness. After a long and difficult battle, he was finally able to be rated as service-connected.
Keith is a member of the BVA, as well as County and statewide groups that advocate for blind people. Namely, the Madison County Association of the blind, and the Illinois Council of the blind.
Relying on his technical skills learned in the military, he taught himself how to code in HTML, JavaScript and to some degree in PHP. He keeps busy by developing websites in his own server space, as well as being active in podcast production.
Keith has also been proficient in using most common operating systems. Including Windows, Macintosh, iOS, Lennix and UNIX systems.