Children prove their abilities

Corina’s toes sunk into the damp sand along the shore at the Newport Aquatic Center as she climbed out of the canoe slowly rocking against the sleek slate-blue water. She ran her fingers through her ponytail and smiled, water beads rolling down her ivory skin.

“That was so much fun,” said the 15-year-old Costa Mesa resident who was born with glaucoma. “At first I was nervous because I didn’t know what it would be like … but I want to go back in.”

Corina, along with 15 other visually impaired students from the Orange County Braille Institute, took part in a paddling lesson offered by the Orange County Makapo Aquatics Project on Friday afternoon. The nonprofit seeks to help the blind reach their potential through education and hands-on activities. It’s the first of several monthly excursions planned to expose children and teens to paddling.

“There’s an old joke that blind kids shouldn’t play darts because someone will get hurt,” said RJ De Rama, the nonprofit’s executive director. “But this is safe. It’s a controlled environment.”

The children, whose ages range from 13 to 18, slathered on sunscreen, making sure to apply the lotion in hard-to-reach spots with the assistance of friends before locking arms as they walked along the sea-shell-laden sand.

“They’re willing to try anything … they’re fearless,” said Christina Tam, a youth consultant at the Braille Institute. “If we give them an opportunity, they’ll latch on.”

“Our goal is to make them comfortable to integrate into a sighted world,” Tam said. “We are glad to take part in this event. It’s a way for them to learn how to utilize their own body and build strength.”

The idea came about after De Rama, along with fellow director John Chavez and three other legally blind men, competed in an 18-mile canoe race off the coast of Kona, Hawaii, becoming the first all-blind team to complete the race.

“I’m hoping maybe there will be some kids who’d want to form a team of all blind children,” De Rama said. “We’re trying to redefine what people think blind people are capable of doing. We’re not just canes and dogs. We’re people.”

The children boarded two canoes locked together. Geared in bathing suits, shorts and hats, the boys and girls received paddling instruction from Billy Whitford, director of the aquatic center, and a few staff members.

“I love being able to share this lifestyle,” Whitford said. “It’s an opportunity they don’t get very often. It allows them to connect with each other and to connect with Mother Nature.”

They each tightly gripped the paddles, slowly pulling them against the water — eager to set sail against the light breeze.

Once Whitford was confident in their stroking abilities he let go of the canoes and let their little arms paddle away into the Back Bay.

After an hour, the two teams returned stroking with each count — “1, 2, 3, 4 … “

“It was fun — exhausting, but fun,” Corina said. “I love the feel of water.”