Wetwheels: Accessible Powerboating on the Solent, our unique gude
Wetwheels offers accessible boating experiences around the UK, and we are lucky here in the New Forest to have two within easy reach of Our Bench.
- Wetwheels Hamble is based at Mercury Yacht Harbour on the River Hamble, approximately 45 minutes by car from Our Bench.
- Wetwheels Solent operates from Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, approximately 55–60 minutes by car from Our Bench.
Journey times are approximate and will depend on traffic.
Their boats have been designed so wheelchair users can take part without transferring from their chair. But the experience isn't simply about getting onto a boat. Wetwheels is about giving people the opportunity to really experience being on the water, feel the speed, enjoy the surroundings and, where appropriate, even take a turn at the helm.
For me, though, the best way to explain Wetwheels is to tell you about the day I went out with Mum.
Our Wetwheels adventure from Lymington
In May 2023, Wetwheels Hamble came to Berthon in Lymington for three days of accessible boating experiences.
The trip took us out through the Lymington River and into the Solent, heading towards Hurst Castle and the Needles before returning to Lymington.
I already knew the practical side should work for Mum.
She was a powerchair user and there was no need for her to transfer out of her chair. At the event we attended, there was level access from the shore to the pontoon and then from the pontoon onto the boat, with the team taking tidal conditions into account.
The harder part was convincing Mum that she actually wanted to do it.
From watching the Solent to being part of it
Mum's experience of being on the water in recent years had mainly been travelling on the Wightlink ferry between Lymington and Yarmouth.
You can head up to the passenger lounge and enjoy a reassuringly "safe" view across the Solent.
But I love being on the water.
I'd even managed to convince my uncle, then in his 80s, to have a go at paddleboarding, and I wanted Mum to have her own opportunity too.
We also offer photography experiences for guests at Our Bench, and one lovely family staying with us had booked a Wetwheels trip.
That gave me my opportunity.
I told Mum I needed her help photographing our guests.
And somehow, Mum found herself coming too.
Not just for wheelchair users
The wheelchair access is impressive.
Wetwheels can accommodate several wheelchair users on the same trip, including powerchair users, and you can remain in your own chair rather than transferring. Family members, friends and carers can join the experience too.
But Wetwheels isn't only for wheelchair users.
Wetwheels welcomes people with many different disabilities and additional needs, not only wheelchair users. Families, friends and carers can join in, making it an adventure to share together.
For someone with sight loss, being out on the water can be wonderfully sensory. The movement of the boat, the sound of the water, the wind on your face, the sea air and the change from a gentle cruise to travelling at speed all become part of the experience.
For an autistic child or adult with a passion for boats, engines, the sea or simply how things work, it can be an opportunity to completely immerse themselves in something they love, with staff and volunteers who understand that different people may need different levels of information, reassurance, time or support.
It isn't about fitting everyone into the same activity.
It is about helping each person experience the water in a way that works for them.
And importantly, it isn't an experience where the rest of the family simply watches.
Everyone can share it together.
Staying in your wheelchair on the boat
One of the things I loved about Wetwheels was seeing several wheelchair users sharing the same experience.
You can remain in your own wheelchair, with secure wheelchair positions on board, while family members, friends and carers join you.
And there are different ways to experience the trip.
Mum chose somewhere relatively sheltered and dry.
Our guests chose somewhere they could experience rather more of the full force of the Solent.
If that's your plan, my recommendation is simple:
Waterproofs.
For you and, where appropriate, for your wheelchair too!
There may also be an opportunity to drive the boat yourself, giving you the chance to be part of the experience rather than simply a passenger.
The bit I will always remember
It was exhilarating.
But strangely, the speed isn't actually the part I remember most.
I remember Mum.
I remember her sitting there in her powerchair, feeling the wind and the sea air and moving with the waves.
She was having an adventure.
And she felt safe.
The staff and volunteers were so confident around the wheelchairs that we could relax.
They advised rather than told.
They supported, encouraged and checked that everyone was comfortable without making disability the focus of the experience.
That made a huge difference.
Because for a little while I wasn't there as a photographer capturing memories for our guests.
I wasn't there as Mum's carer.
I was there as her daughter.
We were simply on a boat together, sharing something exciting.
It is one of those memories I will always treasure.
Would I recommend Wetwheels?
Absolutely.
If you enjoy an adventure, I would put this very high on my list of experiences to consider while staying at Our Bench.
It isn't simply an activity "for the disabled person".
It is something you can experience together.
That matters.
Families and carers can spend so much time thinking about access, equipment, transfers, medication, support and what might go wrong that sometimes it becomes difficult just to enjoy being somewhere.
On that boat, for a while, everyone could forget the practicalities and simply enjoy the journey.
Planning your own Wetwheels adventure
My trip took place from Lymington in May 2023 as part of a special three-day visit by Wetwheels Hamble.
Their regular south-coast bases are currently Hamble and Portsmouth, so don't assume that your trip will depart from Lymington.
I would always recommend booking well in advance and talking to Wetwheels about your individual requirements before you travel. Book direct - WetWheels Hamble and WetWheels Solent
Tell them about your wheelchair, mobility, communication, sensory or support needs and ask about the boarding arrangements, parking and facilities at the departure point you will be using.
The more information everyone has beforehand, the easier it is to concentrate on enjoying the experience when you arrive.
And if you're staying at Our Bench and decide this is your adventure, tell me. If I can, I'd be very happy to come along and capture some of those moments for you too.
Our Wetwheels experience: May 2023