The meaning of the experience of sea kayaking for persons with spinal cord injury.

Abstract

Engagement in meaningful activity is at the core of occupational therapy; when a person sustains a spinal cord injury (SCI), access to leisure activities that once had meaning may become limited. This study aims to gain an insider’s perspective on the meaning of engaging in kayaking as a leisure pursuit for six adults with a SCI. It compares the findings to an original study by Taylor & McGruder (1995). A qualitative approach using Spradley’s (1979) interviewing technique was employed. A number of meaningful themes matched the original study by Taylor & McGruder (1995) and were consistent with current literature: atmosphere, achievement, adjusting, safety and physical benefits. The two unique findings of this study were the themes of sense of freedom and equality. Overall, kayaking was found to offer the participants with a SCI a unique experience to participate on equal terms with an able-bodied person, and facilitates freedom of mobility on the water.