Disabled paddler receives custom-made boat

Adri Visser, a dedicated and determined paddler from the Centurion Canoe Club, has received a new custom-made boat specifically designed to suit her needs.

Born with no hands and one leg due to German measles, Adri is a go-getter and has never let her physical ability hold her back.

“My mom contracted German measles during her pregnancy, but she didn’t get sick herself. I was the one to contract it, and only after my birth did they realise that I was disabled,” she explained.

This boat was donated by the Centurion Canoe Club and was designed to fit her needs by Bruce Banfield (former paddler at Florida Lake) and Hardus Theunissen, also from the Centurion Canoe Club.

The boat was tested and handed out to her at the Florida Lake Canoe Club on February 15.

“It makes me feel blessed and very fortunate to have so many people who are caring and want to make a difference to people living with disabilities. The previous boat I had was also for paralysed persons, but it restricted my mobility, and I outgrew it. However, this one is specifically designed to suit my needs only, and I’m grateful to the two gentlemen.

Adri’s journey in canoeing began in June 2024, and she has already made remarkable strides. She competed in the Paralympic category at Midmar and has shown incredible determination and confidence in the face of adversity.

“As a master’s degree holder in recreation and a retired Paralympic swimmer with African records, I’m grateful that I’m still doing the water sport and I can’t wait to see where this will take me because I will not be stopping anytime soon,” she says.

Hardus says this is a standard canoe boat which they adjusted a bit to make it usable for her.

“The setup on the boat includes a paddle mechanism to assist with turning, paddling angles, height, and no chance of getting lost in the water as well. Bruce, my partner, then designed the boat to have better flotation,” he says.