A CHARITY is encouraging people with disabilities and long-term health conditions to experience the excitement of waterskiing and wakeboarding through specially adapted sessions near Ringwood.

Ellingham Inclusive Water Ski & Wakeboard (EIWW) offers watersports for people with a wide range of disabilities and additional needs, including spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, autism, visual impairments, stroke recovery and neurological conditions.

The charity provides specialist adaptive equipment, accessible facilities, qualified instructors and trained volunteers, ensuring participants of all abilities can enjoy time on the water in a safe and supportive environment.

No previous experience is needed.

Among those to take part is Cam, who sustained a spinal cord injury in a paragliding accident last year.

He said: “Trying new things after my spinal cord injury can still feel daunting at times, but clubs like this are exactly why it’s so important to just give things a go.

“Everyone was incredibly welcoming, and being out on the water brought back that feeling of adventure and freedom that I love so much.

“It was a brilliant reminder that there are still so many amazing experiences waiting to be had and great people to do it alongside. I left the club smiling and eager to get back out again!”

Debbie Canavan, chair of EIWW and a former British Disabled Waterskiing Champion and World Record Holder, said: “Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the excitement and freedom of being out on the water.

“Our aim is to remove barriers and create opportunities for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions to enjoy watersports in a safe, supportive and welcoming environment.”

Inclusive sessions run from April to September, with family members, carers and support workers also welcome to attend.

For more information or to book a session, visit www.ellinghamwaterski.co.uk/inclusive-sessions