Our Mission :
It is our goal to provide inclusive products that break down physical and social barriers in the areas of sports and outdoor recreation. We seek to provide opportunities for people with variations of upper body strength and mobility to participate in kayaking, canoeing, & white water rafting.
We have developed innovative methods of paddling that depart from the typical paddles currently on the market. Our paddles can be used by a wide range of people including amputees and individuals with: upper limb difference, various injuries and/or immobility due to stroke. Our current paddle system relies on the use of one hand to use.
ProPel Paddle System
The paddle system is comprised of a grip and adjustable cuff. The cuff and grip are also adjustable along the the paddle shaft to adapt to various arm lengths. The paddle can be used with either the right or left hand by easily repositioning the cuff or grip to the appropriate side of the shaft. One size fits most adults.
Click on image to view video (Prototype shown)
Canoe Paddle
Kayak Paddle
About ProPel :
Owner and Industrial Designer Mark Ellingwood developed ProPel Paddles because of his love for the outdoors and a deep desire to provide tools and equipment for people who have limited choices in current equipment due to varying physical abilities. Current products for people with differing abilities are limited and when available are cold and sterile medical appearing devices. His inspiration is his Six year old son Noah who was born with an upper limb difference (right arm above the elbow), a condition that affects about 1 in 10,000 newborns.
Mark is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design in Industrial Design. During his senior year he integrated the principles of universal design into many inclusive products and architectural elements. He took part in a studio that focused on breaking down physical barriers on a resort in St. Johns U.S. Virgin Islands. As part of his senior thesis at RISD, he created the concept for ProPel paddles in order to expand areas of opportunity in outdoor recreation equipment for people who have varying upper body abilities.
ProPel Paddles is the result of extensive research and development. The goal is to break down barriers, integrate style and design, and make the paddles available to the widest range of people possible. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Mark directly at: mark_propelpaddles.com .
Check out Mark's other creative endeavors at EllingWoods Studio, where he specializes in modern furniture, decor, and art. www.ellingwoods.com
How to purchase a ProPel paddle
We are working exclusively with Kevin Carr at Chosen Valley Creating Ability to manufacture the ProPel paddle system. The paddles are in their final stages of rigorous safety testing and should be available for purchase very soon. Please use the contact form to speak to Kevin directly about purchasing a ProPel paddle and for any other questions you may have. You can view his website at www.creatingability.com
