We bring our own Transfer Lift along on trips to facilitate transfers in and out of our equipment. 

We have our own slings, but if you prefer to use your own, then that is totally fine too!

PRO TIP: Sometimes, depending on the individual, it can be easier and more comfortable if a transfer sling is placed under the user at home.

All CRIS staff are trained to perform both manual and lift transfers safely, so even in the event that we need to perform a manual transfer, you are in safe and experienced hands!

What to bring (all activities):

• Water (or your fluids of choice) and Snacks.

• Sturdy footwear such as sneakers (no open toes).

• Personal medications/medical equipment.

• Care Aide(s) or other Support person(s) if required.

• Sensory tools (fidgets, comforts, noise cancelling headphones, sunglasses etc) if you use them.

• A jacket or warm layer, just in case (even on a warm day!).

• Sunscreen and Sunglasses (yes, even in winter!).

• Enthusiasm and a sense of adventure!

Check the weather forecast for the day of your Trip the night before to get an idea of what to expect.

Remember that you may get colder or warmer than expected, regardless of the weather forecast. If in doubt, bring along some extra clothing options just in case.

If you will be riding in our equipment (boats, trail riders, cycles), please avoid clothing that is excessively loose or has anything dangling off of it. Loose clothing can become caught in the mechanisms on our equipment and will need to be secured by our instructors before departure.

Note: CRIS does have a small selection of clothing available to lend clients if needed (such as warm coats, hats, gloves, snow boots, wet shoes). If you think you may need to borrow some of our clothing, please email us at least 24 hours prior to your trip to see if we can help.

If it is a warm sunny day:

• Wear cool and comfortable clothing. If you burn easily, you might prefer long sleeves and pants to help protect your skin from the sun.

• Bring a hat or visor that will fit comfortably under a helmet if needed (like a baseball cap).

• Bring sunglasses and sunscreen (be sure to apply sunscreen before you leave the house too!). Consider bringing or applying bug spray too.

• Bring extra fluids (water, juice, gatorade etc). You might want to put ice in your bottle to keep it cooler!

• If it is very dry and dusty, a thin buff may help to keep dust and bugs out of your nose and mouth!

If it is cold, windy or rainy:

• Wear long sleeves and pants to keep you warm.

• A waterproof raincoat.

• Extra layers such as a sweater, hoodie, body warmer etc, so you can adjust easily if you get hot or cold.

• Consider wearing base layers (long johns etc).

• Consider wearing rain or snow pants if it is very windy, wet or snowy.

• Try to avoid cotton on a wet day. For example, Jeans are very uncomfortable to wear if they get very wet and take a long time to dry, which makes you colder. Synthetic fabrics like polyester and lycra are much more comfortable when wet and dry out much quicker.

• Don’t forget about your face, fingers and toes! Be sure to bring gloves, toques, scarfs or neck warmers (like a ski buff) and wear warm socks.

• If you like, bring a flask with a nice warm drink inside!

PRO TIP: If it’s going to be especially cold and/or wet, bring a towel and a set of dry clothing with you and leave it in your vehicle. After your Trip you can take off any wet clothing and put on nice dry warm clothes for the journey home!

If you are paddling:

• If you wish to stay dry, inform your trip leader at the start of the session. For most paddle activities it is possible to wear normal clothing and stay mostly dry.

• Whilst we can do our best to keep you dry, the boats may be damp inside and there is the possibility of rain or splashes, so keep this in mind!

• We recommend to wear clothing that keeps you comfortable and dries quickly if it gets damp (e.g tracksuit bottoms rather than denim jeans). If you get cold easily, be sure to bring extra layers!

• A waterproof jacket can help protect you from rain, wind and splashes.

• If you prefer or intend to get wet, you may choose to wear swimwear, a wet suit or other paddle specific clothing.

• Getting a bit soggy on a paddle trip is sometimes impossible to avoid! We advise you to always bring a towel and a change of clothing, just in case, so you have something warm and dry to wear on the journey home!

• Wear comfortable sturdy shoes. Sneakers work fine, just be aware they might get a little damp, so maybe leave your best shoes at home for this one!

You will arrive at your designated meeting point and get yourself ready to start your Trip.

Your Trip Leader and Volunteers will set up any adaptive equipment you may need and assist you in getting yourself ready.

We provide wheelchair users with Trail Riders, these are a highly adaptable chair on a metal frame, with a durable single wheel. Trail Riders are extremely capable and can go almost anywhere, they can even summit mountains! Trail Riders are piloted by two trained volunteers, one in front and one behind. The volunteers steer the the Trail Rider and power it along the trail. Trail Riders are fitted with a disc brake much like a mountain bike, to assist users in slowing down or stopping.

Your Trip Leader will brief you and your fellow attendees on how the equipment works, any safety protocols to be followed and the plan for the Trip.

Then, it’s go time!

Your Trip Leader will set the pace of the activity and pick a route based on the overall ability of the group. This can be adjusted, so if you are struggling with the pace or need a rest, just let the Trip Leader know!

You will arrive at your designated meeting point and get yourself ready to start your Trip.

Your Trip Leader and Volunteers will set up any adaptive equipment you may need and assist you in getting yourself ready.

We offer a range of bikes to suit all levels of ability, available in upright (standard) seats or recumbent (more like a chair, which can be used in conjunction with harnesses and padding) seats. We have tandem bikes and trikes which can be great for those who just need a little extra power or support with steering, but can also be set up so no peddling or steering is required by you!

We also have hand cycles, solo trikes and bikes with step through frames and even e-assist, for the more independent rider.

Your Trip Leader will brief you and your fellow attendees on how the equipment works, any safety protocols to be followed and the plan for the Trip.

Then, it’s go time!

Your Trip Leader will set the pace of the activity and pick a route based on the overall ability of the group. This can be adjusted, so if you are struggling with the pace or need a rest, just let the Trip Leader know!

Once the Trip is finished, you will return to the meeting location, where hopefully your ride home is waiting! Your Trip Leader and Volunteers will assist you off of your cycle if needed!

You will arrive at your designated meeting point and get yourself ready to start your Trip.

Your Trip Leader and Volunteers will set up any adaptive equipment you may need and assist you in getting yourself ready.

We provide a variety of adaptive and non-adaptive paddlecraft and can facilitate people of all abilities.

Our adaptive boats are available as a tandem for those who need the support of a team mate and as singles for more independent paddlers. Our boats can be fitted with adaptive seats, pontoons to add stability and used with paddle riggers which can allow for supported or even one armed paddling.

Your Trip Leader will brief you and your fellow attendees on how the equipment works, any safety protocols to be followed and the plan for the Trip. If desired, you can express that you would prefer to stay as dry as possible and our Trip Leader will take all measures to facilitate this.

There are no guarantees, splashes and rain can’t be avoided sometimes, so keep that in mind!

Then, it’s go time!

Your Trip Leader will set the pace of the activity and pick a route based on the overall ability of the group. This can be adjusted, so if you are struggling with the pace or need a rest, just let the Trip Leader know!

At the end of your Trip, you will return to where you launched from, where hopefully your ride home is waiting! Your Trip Leader and Volunteers will help you out of your craft if needed.

Most of our launch locations have public washrooms, but we cannot guarantee the availability, accessibility or condition of public facilities, so please keep this in mind when planning your Trip with us.

Remember, CRIS staff are unable to provide personal care, if you need assistance with this, please bring someone with you that can support you!

More information coming soon…