Sea activities for everyone in the Costa Brava
An underwater image of the emotional diving activity. An instructor helps the girl who takes part in the activity. Image by Diego Espada.
Swimming in the waters of the Costa Brava is the best remedy against the heat. Resting on the sand or putting your feet in the water, discovering the seabed by diving or sailing along the coastline in a sailing boat or a kayak. A wide range of possibilities adapted to all abilities.
Emotional and inclusive diving
In Lloret de Mar, the Catalan Association of Emotional and Adapted Diving (ACBEA) runs adapted diving courses for people with disabilities. They adapt the activity to each client, according to the needs and abilities of each person. And they focus on managing the emotions generated by underwater activities so that the diver enjoys the experience to the maximum.
ACBEA also trains professional divers. They teache techniques to learn how to accompany people with disabilities during the diving activity, as well as the keys of emotional diving: a sensation-oriented approach to diving that helps to overcome barriers that seem insurmountable and, therefore, improves the rehabilitation and recovery process.
Kayak for all
SK Kayak is a sea kayaking centre in Llançà specialised in nature activities. It has adapted facilities, as well as equipment with different adaptations, such as backrests.
The SK Kayak team has been collaborating for years with Multicapacitats, an association from Girona, and has experience in outings for people with sensory, physical or cognitive disabilities. It offers tailor-made products and unique kayaking experiences to discover the singularities of the Costa Brava, highlighting local cultural aspects. In addition, in a privileged setting: the Natural Park of Cap de Creus and the Natural Park of Aiguamolls de l’Empordà.
The beach within everyone’s reach
The Costa Brava beaches score well in terms of accessibility. They are a good option for enjoying an inclusive day at the beach with all services. This is the case of Torre Valentina beach, in Calonge i Sant Antoni.
It has a parking area for people with reduced mobility and an escort service to the facilities. It has adapted toilets and showers, changing rooms, first aid service and a shaded area with a pergola on the sand.
This summer, every day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. until 13th September, two lifeguard-certified instructors will provide adapted bathing. They have four different models of amphibious chairs, anchor points in the water, crane and transfer board, crutches, and hydraulic litter. All these services are free of charge. Due to the PROCICAT measures, it is necessary to book in advance: email platja.accessible@calonge.cat or call +34 666 466 338.
Inclusive sailing
The Club Nàutic l’Escala Sailing School aims to bring water sports to everyone. One of the club’s objectives is to promote sailing to people with disabilities, as well as to elderly people or those at risk of social exclusion, because everyone has the right to enjoy the sea.
Its facilities are adapted for people with reduced mobility, and a small crane allows the transfer from the dock to the boats. The school has individual and collective boats that are stable, easy to manoeuvre and unsinkable.
The Family sailing activity is also a leisure space so that people with functional diversity can enjoy the activities of the Sailing School with their families in an inclusive way. There are also sea baptisms and sailing courses, in which the inclusion of people with disabilities is promoted. A subscription to the facilities allows group outings, access to the technical sessions and participation in the regattas organised by the club, an exceptional way of discovering the sea of Empúries.
This summer, sustainable and healthy sea activities for everyone.