The main purpose of the program is to promote fitness and activity among children with visual impairments . For fifteen year old Rosario Alconedo, paddling was great because she got to meet "cool people while having fun at the same time." 

The families and friends of these kids have also benefited from this experience, as Sonia Tempia, aunt of paddler Maral Abrijian explains. "I love having Maral able to be athletic, and also be with other kids her age who also have the same problem with exercise," she said.   "It allows her to connect with other children her age."    

Director of youth paddling and fitness, Mike Pickett also loves this program, saying "It's a great way to get these kids out there and trying something different." For many blind and vision impaired kids, this is a memorable experience that allows them to build self confidence and increase body strength. 

        Tyler Bray will be paddling with the sighted youth on Thursday, August 21.  The boats leave the NAC at 8PM and will reach Dana Point some 4 and a half hours at around 12PM.   

Makapo Aquatics hopes that the program will expand in the following years and will inspire youth to join the Makapo Canoe Club.