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    Wetwheels South West

    About

    From its base in Falmouth, Wetwheels South West offers the classic Wetwheels accessible powerboating experience so that people with any disability can get out on, and enjoy, the water. Our highly-capable, high-speed catamaran also makes outreach visits to other picturesque and interesting ports along the south west coastline of the UK where it delivers the high-quality Wetwheels experience that the charity is known for. Wetwheels South West provides the opportunity for all disabled people, including those with profound and complex disabilities, to enjoy the sea in a safe, stimulating and rewarding way aboard a purpose-built, fully-accessible powerboat. The boat, built by Cheetah Marine on the Isle of White, was launched in Falmouth in September 2020 and features wheelchair access with a ramp to the steering position and adapted steering controls to suit people with reduced mobility. It has space for family, friends and carers to share the experience with disabled participants so that everyone has the chance to experience the excitement of power boating. And that doesn’t just mean as a passenger. All participants, with disabilities or without, also have the chance to take the helm and experience the thrill of driving the boat. If you would like to be part of a Wetwheels experience, it doesn't matter if you're young or old or what disability you live with. We will do our best to help and welcome you aboard.

    Reviews

    5

    (1 review)

    Overall Ratings

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    Access

    4

    Parking

    3.5

    Toilets

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    Staff

    5

    User profile picture

    charliechalk

    Jul 2024

    star

    5

    Fantastic experience!

    I'd been looking for something special to celebrate a big birthday and this was perfect! A thoroughly enjoyable experience. We met the crew on the quay and they togged us up with life jackets (I thought it might be uncomfortable wearing one in my powerchair but it didn't bother me at all). The tide was quite low, making the ramp down from the quay to the marina very steep. I'm not going to lie, I was very anxious! But the captain came down with us the whole way and was holding my chair. I kept reminding myself that they do this all the time! Getting onto the boat was much easier. My chair was securely strapped to the deck. Going gently through the harbour was lovely, looking at the boats and the scenery. Then once we were clear of the harbour, the captain put his foot down so to speak! We weren't expecting a fast trip but it was great! The tour either follows the coastline, going into the little inlets and estuaries, or heads out to sea. We went out to sea. Just being out on the water was amazing. Very liberating. They often see dolphins and seals, but we only caught glimpses of seals. But the captain stopped the boat and hauled up a lobster pot and showed us everything inside. Catfish, crabs and lobster. Amazing! The wheelchair users are given the opportunity to drive the boat. I can't lift my arms so the captain was doing it all (but that didn't stop my family complaining that I drove too fast!). I'm so happy an experience like this exists for wheelchair users. I would thoroughly recommend it. TIPS: Bring waterproofs even if it's not raining; if you're worried about the ramp then try and book at high tide; lots of layers; either securely tuck blankets in or tie them on with something; bring suncream.

    Disabled Access Information Provided by Wetwheels South West

    Disabled Access at Wetwheels South West

    The quay is accessible via a pedestrianised road with nearby public parking. The boat is a fully customised catamaran that offers barrier free trips for everyone, regardless of disability. The boat can be accessed via an easy access ramp with our experienced staff on hand to help. The boat itself is made to accommodate wheelchairs and has access via a ramp to the steering position and adapted steering controls to suit people with reduced mobility so that everyone can participate in steering the ship.

    Toilets features at Wetwheels South West

    Although we do not have dedicated disabled toilets on site, there are disables public toilets available close by in Grove Place car park and also a Changing Places facility at Ships and Castles Leisure Centre, Castle Drive, Falmouth, TR11 4NG which is about 1 mile from the Wetwheels Venue.
    Accessible toilet icon
    Accessible toilet

    Accessible formats at Wetwheels South West

    Audio Formats

    Accessible services at Wetwheels South West

    Audio Description
    Assistance dog facilities

    Staff details at Wetwheels South West

    David Rogers Director and Founder of Wetwheels South West "I have been boating since I was 11 and running fishing charters for the last 4 years. I am currently employed at Pencalenick school where I am responsible for teaching life skills within the boarding school. I have established WWSW to bring together my combined knowledge of working with people with disabilities and my boating experience to bring new experiences to people living with disabilities." Full details of all the crew are available at: https://wetwheelsfoundation.org/locations/southwest/

    Assistance dog facilities at Wetwheels South West

    Gyllingvase beach is dog friendly all year round and offers step-free access to the beach.

    Other features at Wetwheels South West

    Online Booking

    More Information

    For additional detailed accessibility information, please contact: info@wetwheelssouthwest.co.uk

    Awards at Wetwheels South West

    Funded by Sports England

    Contact

    Opens in a new windowhttps://www.facebook.com/wetwheelssouthwest
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    Location

    North Quay Falmouth Haven Marina, Falmouth TR11 3HH, England, Cornwall, United Kingdom

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    Information not up to date?

    If you believe the information displayed on this page is not up to date or the venue has closed, please send us an email at hello@euansguide.com.

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