From Stroke to Stroke: Jerome Hooge’s Return to Kayaking

When Jerome Hooge, a spirited 51-year-old from Tennessee, experienced a major stroke in 2023, the path to recovery seemed daunting. Strokes are alarmingly common in the U.S., with nearly 795,000 people experiencing one each year. According to the CDC, it’s the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability. The reality is that stroke can dramatically impact lives, but for Jerome, the hope of getting back on the water remained alive, thanks to the unwavering support of his sister, Danielle Baskerville, and the adaptive equipment from Angle Oar.

A Sister’s Determination

Danielle reached out to Angle Oar in March of this year with a heartfelt message, explaining that Jerome had been an avid kayaker who – get this – liked to kayak with his goat!  After the stroke, she explained, he now “has aphasia, his right arm does not work much, and he has partial use of his right leg. He can walk with a cane slowly.” 

Danielle said that “He wants to try again so badly to kayak, and I’m trying to figure out how to help him. (Kayaking) is the only thing he’s hoping I can help him do.”  Her determination to see her brother back on the water was inspiring.

We connected Jerome and Danielle with our Clinical Consultant, Cathy Webster, who conducted a video consultation with them to determine the best adaptive paddling equipment for Jerome’s specific needs. The consultation led them to the Versa Paddle System and a set of stabilizing outriggers.

Back on the Water

With their new gear, Jerome, Danielle and some friends ventured out on the water for the first time in October. “We finally got him on the water for the first time in one year and four months,” Danielle shared. “I don’t know if we have it set up exactly right, but it worked yesterday. We may have to tweak a few things.” She added that she thought the outriggers should probably be on the back of the kayak, but that the man who installed them for the siblings put them up front and it worked.

“I just want to say thank you guys for making these products. My brother has no use of his right arm and not much of his right leg, and this is the one thing he wanted to do after his stroke. Without your products, we wouldn’t have been able to get him out there,” she remarked.

Adaptive Paddling Tips

While Angle Oar typically recommends using our Versa and Gamut Paddle Systems with sit-inside kayaks and our hinged mount for the most stable and secure paddling experience, we understand that many of our customers have existing sit-on-top kayaks they wish to use. In such cases, we work with them to create a setup with one of our other mounts which, at times, may result in some side-to-side movement. For many, the ability to kayak again makes the tradeoff well worth it.

It’s also worth noting that while kayak outriggers are usually placed behind the cockpit, there are instances, like Jerome's setup, where they can be placed in front. The key point is to have them sufficiently away from the cockpit so they don’t impede the paddle stroke.

Join Jerome’s Journey

As Jerome Hooge paddles back into his love for kayaking, he reminds us all of the power of resilience and the impact of community and family support. Check out the brief video of Jerome back on the water and see the joy of rediscovery!

Jerome’s story is a testament to the human spirit and the role adaptive kayaking equipment plays in making dreams come true, even after the toughest of challenges.

Whether you’re recovering from a stroke or just seeking new adventures, remember that with the right support, the water is always within reach. In this case, that support came in the form of a sister and at least two buddies (flanking Jerome, in the middle).

For more information about Angle Oar’s adaptive paddling equipment and how it can help you or a loved one, visit our website.