Shared Adventures: Coastal Recreation Audit
Experiencing the Beauty of Monterey Bay Without Physical Barriers
📽️ Shared Adventures: Life is an Adventure
Based in Santa Cruz, Shared Adventures was founded on the belief that physical ability should never be a barrier to experiencing the outdoors. This non-profit is the gold standard for inclusive coastal recreation, providing the tools and community to explore safely.
Their most famous event turns Cowell Beach into a fully accessible playground. They lay down over 5,000 square feet of plywood so wheelchairs and scooters can roll right to the water's edge. It's a massive win for ocean accessibility.
🏖️ Beach Access & Equipment
Beyond the plywood "roads," they offer specialized SCUBA diving, outrigger canoeing, and kayaking with trained volunteers. If you just want to cruise the shoreline, "fat-tire" beach wheelchairs are available so you can feel the breeze without getting stuck in the sand.
🗓️ Year-Round Local Activities
Shared Adventures doesn't stop when summer ends. They partner with Pacific Edge Climbing Gym for adaptive climbing nights and host regular sailing and kayaking trips out of the Santa Cruz Wharf. They also facilitate social connections through adaptive yoga, gardening clubs, and dance parties.
🔓 The Adventure Factor
Shared Adventures is proof that "disability" doesn't mean "sedentary." For those in the South Bay, the curvy drive over Highway 17 is worth it for the high-quality volunteer support and the chance to safely try adventurous sports like rock climbing or whale watching.