Will Behenna is the founder of ‘Inclusive Paddleboarding’.
The Wimborne-based business offers custom built equipment that enable disabled paddlers to enjoy the sport with more comfort.
Will is a wheelchair-user, and as his company grows, he is fighting for Dorset beaches to become more accessible.
He said: “People want to go to the beach, but we need to improve access.”
He has partnered with Bournemouth University to generate a national survey to find out about disabled peoples experience with beach access.
The public health and wellbeing department as well as the tourism department at the university are launching the survey in March.
They aim to find out the process and obstacles disabled people face during beach trips.
Will said: “There are so many challenges we have to think about- access to toilets, changing facilities, showering.”
He added: “None of those things are in place, and that’s what I’m wanting to develop.”
On Inclusive Paddleboarding’s website, they disclose that: “We believe that everyone can benefit from being out in the water.”
In order for the business to continue growing, beaches need greater development for more disabled people to start getting into the water.
Will knows what direction he wants steps to be taken in exchange for greater accessibility.
He said: “Different sizes of beaches require different things in order for them to improve.”
He followed this with: “The first point of improvement is that there needs to be car parking with accessibility built into it. Then there’s moving people from the car park onto the beach, and then finally accessing the water.”
All of these can be resolved with the building of boardwalks into the water, and wheelchair-friendly ramps that safely get people onto the beach.
Besides creating seats for paddleboards, Will also offers people with physical or mental health conditions the opportunity to paddleboard through his experience program.
This offers learning how to paddleboard, water safety and a one-on-one experience with a qualified instructor.
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