VANCOUVER WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Wheels to Waves: Hippocampe at UBC Brings Hike, Swim, Kayak and Surf Within Reach
A practical guide to renting the all‑terrain Hippocampe wheelchair from RAD Recreation Adapted Society at UBC—what it enables, who it fits, and how long you can keep it.
Wheels to Waves: Hippocampe at UBC Brings Hike, Swim, Kayak and Surf Within Reach.
Built to move across sand, trail and shallow water, the Hippocampe is a modular all‑terrain wheelchair that extends access to hiking, swimming, kayaking and handisurfing for outdoor enthusiasts in Vancouver and at UBC.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Versatile all‑terrain design
The Hippocampe’s configurable frame, traction kit and push bar make it a single platform for many activities—land and water—so one piece of equipment can move between trail, beach and shallow launch.
Direct access to swim, kayak and surf
Adaptations allow the wheelchair to become an adapted kayak or a handisurf rig and provide access to swimming—opening water-based experiences to participants who need buoyant, stable support.
A rich suite of accessories
A broad set of accessories—traction kits, push bars and other adaptations—lets operators tailor the Hippocampe for hiking, jogging, beach access and more, increasing its utility across different outdoor activities.
What the day feels like
What it feels like to go
Using the Hippocampe is less about a single destination and more about continuity: roll from firm trail to soft sand, change attachments for flotation or traction, and keep going—hiking, swimming, kayaking or even handisurfing—on one adaptable chassis.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who will get the most from a Hippocampe rental.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring appropriate clothing for both land and water activities, and any personal flotation or medical items you require; the Hippocampe is designed to be used across beach and water settings and pairs with operator accessories.
The Hippocampe platform and a range of accessories—traction kits, push bars and activity‑specific adaptations—are supplied to configure the chair for hiking, swimming, kayaking or handisurfing.
Rentals are offered under the Hippocampe program at UBC through RAD Recreation Adapted Society; confirm pickup details with the operator at the UBC location.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What rental durations are available?
Options include a Half Day (4 hours), One Day (24 hours), Weekend (Fri–Sun, 3 days) and a Full Week (7 days).
How much does it cost to rent a Hippocampe?
Rates start at $25 for a half day; One Day is $40, a Weekend (3 days) is $60, and a Full Week (7 days) is $135.
Who operates Hippocampe rentals at UBC?
RAD Recreation Adapted Society operates the Hippocampe program at UBC.
What activities can the Hippocampe be used for?
The Hippocampe can be used for hiking, swimming, adapted kayaking, handisurfing and similar land‑and‑water activities through its various adaptations.
Are there age or guardian requirements?
Yes—the program notes a 15+ minimum with parent or guardian required where applicable.
What accessories or adaptations are available?
An abundance of accessories—traction kits, push bars and activity‑specific attachments—allow the Hippocampe to be configured for different outdoor uses.