In this month’s Paddler Spotlight, we caught up with Wey Kayak Club who have been working with The Samson Centre for MS to provide kayak ergo sessions for people who live with multiple sclerosis. The sessions have proven to assist participants with core muscle strength and is a great form of aerobic exercise.
Davinia, Rachael and Alison are Rehab Assistants at the Samson Centre and support participants in their workouts. Alison says “The social element is really important we sometimes run themes such as the 1980s, Christmas, the Olympics etc where we all dress accordingly, it's fun for us all, and the positive impact on the mental health of the participants shouldn't be underestimated, but of course, we never lose sight of the physiological gains.”
Guy has been a member of the Samson Kayakers since it’s beginning and said:
“The team of Div, Alison, Rachel make the sessions fun, with an atmosphere of encouragement and friendship where we all thrive, we've gone from two and three, to well over 20 participants. Staff help inject positivity when things can be quite difficult when you live with MS.”
The success of the kayak ergo initiative has been recognised by the MS Trust, with the Samson Kayakers being awarded the national trophy for innovation.
![Wey Kayak Club - Div and Rachel, along with Dean, James and Guy receiving the national trophy from MS Trust.](https://paddleuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Wey-Kayak-club-2.jpg)
James is a wheelchair user and shares how the sessions have helped his core strength.
“My weekly kayak ergo sessions make feel far better about myself, being able to use an ergo like everyone else, helps me with my core strength and general fitness, plus it's great fun.”
Four time Olympic medalist, Liam Heath, has been joining in the ergo and bellboat sessions on the river alongside the Samson Kayakers.
Adrian Henson Chair of Wey Kayak Club says, “It's a tremendous example of collaboration, and Wey Kayak Club are thrilled that we can assist with coaching support from our Director of Paddlesport – Paul Dimmock. Paul, formally Liam’s coach, has also been able to engage Liam into the work supporting people with MS.
“Sport England have generously provided a grant to buy equipment including ideally suited sit on kayaks, paddles and buoyancy aids, so the Samson Kayakers can take to the river.”
![Liam Heath joining in a kayak ergo session with the Samson Centre Kayakers.](https://paddleuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Wey-Kayak-club-1.jpg)
Ruth recently joined the Samson Kayakers and in July was presented the Samson Kayaker of the month by Wey’s Greta Roeser. The trophy is awarded for commitment and effort, and is highly valued by all participants.
She shares how the sessions have supported her core strength.
”I love kayaking, it's so accessible way to exercise without worrying about balance or my legs letting me down. Brilliant for core strength and getting a cardio workout. Big thanks for all those who make it happen.”
The Samson Centre staff are now on a fundraising mission to fund hoist installation costs and purchase appropriate slings which will assist easy and safe access on and off the sit on kayaks using the hoist.
The Samson Physio Team have taken on the challenge of paddling from Wey Kayak Club (Guildford) to Elmbridge Canoe Club (Weybridge), aiming to complete the 14 miles in a target time of 8 hours” on 28th September.
Thank you to Wey Kayak Club and The Samson Centre for sharing their story and we wish the team all the best on their Thames Challenge. Keep up the brilliant work!