Tony Heher, Constantia
Thanks to the generous donation of a Mackski Explorer double kayak, the Humberstone “fleet” has now grown to four boats, enabling all of the residents to go out at the same time.
Humberstone House is a residential care facility for intellectually disabled adults located in Plumstead (see humberstone-house.org.za).
The boat was donated by Susan van Wyk, sister of Glynis Humphrey, who paddles with the Paddlers group in Simon’s Town.
I introduced the residents to kayaking, but a number of other members of the group have assisted. The community support is amazing and very heart-warming.
Introduced to kayaking in June (“Paddle challenge for intellectually impaired,” Bulletin July 6) the residents went back again on Women’s Day, August 9, and did an even more exciting paddle to Windmill beach.
They landed on the beach, had a quick picnic and then set off home, threading through the intricate maze of channels off Windmill beach.
It tested their navigation skills. A freshening north-westerly wind also taught a valuable lesson on the dangers of being caught in changing weather conditions.
The residents also witnessed a drama on their Women’s Day outing when two overseas tourists got into difficulties and had to be rescued by the heroic efforts of Terry Corr of Shark Warriors at Seaforth. Without his help, both would have probably drowned.
The youngsters were wide eyed and it added to their sense of accomplishment that they could do and do it safely.
Humberstone also needs to warmly thank Terry and Shark Warriors for their continued support and enthusiasm. Terry is amazing. He gets the youngsters (and a few parents!) to do things they never thought they could.
Glynis Humphrey, Noordhoek
When I heard about Humberstone House from Tony Heher through the Simon’s Town paddling group, and I was given a stable double Explorer Kayak from my sister, I thought it would be great for the kids to have their very own craft to explore and develop their paddling skills.
The kids were thrilled on receiving the boat. It too was wonderful to meet them and know that the boat was going to a home where it would be greatly appreciated.
I look forward to being out on the water with them sometime
in the future and sharing in their excitement.
