Venue Description

From its base in Falmouth, Wetwheels South West offers the classic Wetwheels accessible powerboating experience so that people with any disability can get out on, and enjoy, the water. Our highly-capable, high-speed catamaran also makes outreach visits to other picturesque and interesting ports along the south west coastline of the UK where it delivers the high-quality Wetwheels experience that the charity is known for. Wetwheels South West provides the opportunity for all disabled people, including those with profound and complex disabilities, to enjoy the sea in a safe, stimulating and rewarding way aboard a purpose-built, fully-accessible powerboat. The boat, built by Cheetah Marine on the Isle of White, was launched in Falmouth in September 2020 and features wheelchair access with a ramp to the steering position and adapted steering controls to suit people with reduced mobility. It has space for family, friends and carers to share the experience with disabled participants so that everyone has the chance to experience the excitement of power boating. And that doesn’t just mean as a passenger. All participants, with disabilities or without, also have the chance to take the helm and experience the thrill of driving the boat. If you would like to be part of a Wetwheels experience, it doesn't matter if you're young or old or what disability you live with. We will do our best to help and welcome you aboard.

Accessibility

The quay is accessible via a pedestrianised road with nearby public parking. The boat is a fully customised catamaran that offers barrier free trips for everyone, regardless of disability. The boat can be accessed via an easy access ramp with our experienced staff on hand to help. The boat itself is made to accommodate wheelchairs and has access via a ramp to the steering position and adapted steering controls to suit people with reduced mobility so that everyone can participate in steering the ship.

Awards List

Funded by Sports England

Toilets

Although we do not have dedicated disabled toilets on site, there are disables public toilets available close by in Grove Place car park and also a Changing Places facility at Ships and Castles Leisure Centre, Castle Drive, Falmouth, TR11 4NG which is about 1 mile from the Wetwheels Venue.

Staff

David Rogers Director and Founder of Wetwheels South West "I have been boating since I was 11 and running fishing charters for the last 4 years. I am currently employed at Pencalenick school where I am responsible for teaching life skills within the boarding school. I have established WWSW to bring together my combined knowledge of working with people with disabilities and my boating experience to bring new experiences to people living with disabilities." Full details of all the crew are available at: https://wetwheelsfoundation.org/locations/southwest/

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

Gyllingvase beach is dog friendly all year round and offers step-free access to the beach.