Still Kayaking: How Rachel McKnight Found Her Rhythm After a Stroke
- Meg McCall
- 25 minutes ago
- 5 min read
When Rachel McKnight first took up kayaking with her husband Ted in 2003, it quickly became a favorite pastime. They paddled lakes and rivers throughout Vermont and Maine, marking their 30th wedding anniversary with the purchase of two kayaks. Over the years, Rachel found joy in exploring the water both with others and on her own. But after experiencing a severe stroke in 2011, she believed those kayaking days were behind her. More than a decade later, thanks to adaptive kayaking equipment and community support, Rachel is back on the water—this time using the Angle Oar's Versa Paddle System, a specialized paddle system that has allowed her to kayak independently once again.
Stroke, Recovery and a New Reality
In February 2011, Rachel experienced a hemorrhagic stroke on the left side of her brain. This type of stroke, which occurs when a blood vessel ruptures and causes bleeding into the brain, can be especially serious and often results in significant impairments. In Rachel’s case, it left her unable to use her right arm and leg and affected her ability to communicate, a condition known as aphasia.
“I do walk with the help of a cane and a Bioness,” she shares.
Her stroke came shortly after surviving another major health challenge: acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Diagnosed in 2010, Rachel underwent a successful stem cell transplant made possible by a donation from her brother, whom she describes as “a perfect match” who saved her life.
Faced with the aftereffects of the stroke, Rachel gave her kayak to her daughter, assuming her time on the water had ended.
“I thought my kayaking days were over,” she recalls.
A Return to the Water
That changed in 2012, when Rachel began working with Cathy Webster, a physical therapist at the Rehab Gym in Vermont. At the time, Cathy was exploring ways to get another client out on the water in a kayak. Rachel observed their progress for a year and was inspired by the possibilities.
Her journey back to kayaking also led her to the Northeast Disabled Athletic Association (NDAA), a Vermont-based nonprofit that offers adaptive sports programs for individuals with physical disabilities. Through NDAA’s kayaking program, which is also managed by Cathy, Rachel joined other athletes in paddling the serene lakes of the region. The organization supports recreational and competitive activities and enables participants to leave behind mobility aids and explore Vermont’s beautiful shorelines.
"One day I was demonstrating the Versa Paddle System at an open house, and Rachel took one look at it and said, 'I want one of those,'" says Cathy. "She was the first in my group of paddlers to purchase her own set up. She got her kayak back from her daughter and has been paddling with the group and on her own with friends and family ever since. Ted and Rachel are quite the team, happily and enthusiastically discovering the calm waters of Northern New England."
With her kayak now outfitted with adaptive equipment, including stabilizing outriggers, she took to the water with renewed excitement.
“I had a blast and so much fun!!” she says of those first outings. “Kayaking has become a central part of my summer activities.”
Adaptive Kayaking: A Tool for Independence
Rachel has now been using the Versa Paddle System since 2015. The set up allows individuals with limited mobility in one arm or reduced upper body strength to paddle using a single hand. It features a pivot-mounted design that supports the weight of the paddle and allows for easy movement, reducing strain and fatigue.
“It makes it easy to paddle with one hand,” Rachel says. “There’s nothing I wish was different or improved about the system. It is great!”
The Versa Paddle System is a prime example of how adaptive sports equipment can help individuals overcome physical limitations to participate in activities they enjoy.
A Broader Impact
More than just a recreational activity, kayaking has had a wide-reaching impact on Rachel’s life since her stroke. It has provided a sense of freedom and helped her reconnect with the outdoors, but it’s also played an important social role.
“I have regained the freedom and independence of kayaking,” she says. “The kayaking group has become a large part of my social life.”
Rachel’s journey also led her to become part of a choir whose singers all have aphasia. The choir provides the therapeutic benefits of music for individuals with communication challenges. It has so many members from the kayaking group that some of them refer to themselves as the "Singing Kayakers." You can read more about them towards the end of the article here.
Social connection is a key component of recovery for many stroke survivors. As Rachel explains, her return to kayaking opened the door to new experiences.
“I am now excited to see each season come,” she says. “I do kayaking and biking in the summer and skiing in the winter."
Rachel and her husband enjoy biking together on a Hase Pino tandem bicycle. In the winter, she skis and even races using a Snow Kart adapted for left-hand steering.
"These (activities) have led to great friendships and adventures,” notes Rachel.
A Message to Others
Rachel’s story is a powerful reminder that life after stroke can still be rich with activity and meaning. Through adaptive sports and supportive communities, individuals can find new ways to stay engaged with the world around them.
Her advice for others recovering from a stroke or living with similar physical limitations is simple but strong: “As with everything after a stroke, you just have to try it.”
She encourages others to stay open to new tools and new opportunities. "You just have to keep looking for the next thing to make your life better.”
Moving Forward
Rachel’s experience underscores the importance of adaptive technologies and programs that enable people to remain active regardless of physical challenges. For Rachel, the combination of physical therapy, the NDAA’s programming, and the right equipment helped her rediscover a passion she once feared she’d lost.
While every stroke survivor’s path is different, her story is a testament to what’s possible when individuals are supported in doing the activities they love—whether that’s quilting and reading at home or paddling solo on a quiet lake.
Interested in learning more about adaptive kayaking or the Versa Paddle System that helped Rachel return to the water? Visit www.angleoar.com to explore equipment, success stories and resources for paddlers of all abilities.
