Sports 304: Row, Paddle, Swim: Finding Freedom in the Water

Episode Summary 

In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, Kim Wardlow continues the sports series by diving into aquatic sports with Jillian Stringfellow and Will Rastetter from Envision Blind Sports. Together, they unpack how blind and low-vision athletes can participate in swimming, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and rowing with the right instruction, communication, and support. 

The conversation highlights a simple but powerful truth: aquatic sports are far more accessible than many people assume. Jillian and Will explain that most adaptations are not dramatic. They often come down to clearer verbal instruction, guided orientation, hands-on learning, and building trust step by step. 

The episode spends meaningful time on swimming, covering early teaching methods like breath control, bubble work, kicking, body positioning, lane orientation, and the use of tappers at the wall. Will also explains how swimmers grow from basic safety and comfort in the water to stronger stroke technique, confidence, and even school team participation. 

From there, the discussion moves into kayaking, canoeing, and rowing, where communication, rhythm, and individualized cues become key. Jillian shares how Envision uses partnerships and trained volunteers to help athletes safely try new experiences, while also helping families see what is truly possible. 

At its heart, this episode is about confidence. The encouragement is clear: try the sport, trust the process, and let the experience build belief. For many athletes, that first success in the water becomes a doorway into greater independence, community, and courage in the rest of life. 

Contact Info 

Guests / Organization

 Jillian Stringfellow, Program Director, Envision Blind Sports
 Will Rastetter, Swim Coach, Envision Blind Sports
 Website: EnvisionBlindSports.org
 General contact: envisionblindsports@gmail.com | (724) 967-4712
 Jillian direct contact: jstringfellow@envisionblindsports.org 

Aftersight

 Website: Aftersight.org
 Podcast: Navigating Life with Vision Loss
General contact: contact@aftersight.org | (303) 786-7777
Address: 1805 Hwy 42, Ste 220, Louisville, CO 80027 

Producer Credits

 Jonathan Price, Podcast Producer, Aftersight
 jonathan@aftersight.org | (720) 712-8856 

Show Credits 

Host: Kim Wardlow
Guests: Jillian Stringfellow and Will Rastetter
Organization Featured: Envision Blind Sports
Producer: Jonathan Price
Network: Aftersight 

Chapter Markers 

00:00 — Kim opens the aquatic sports episode
01:13 — What Envision Blind Sports does
04:54 — Common misconceptions about blind athletes in water sports
07:05 — “Fearless, Do More” in aquatic settings
10:00 — The biggest fears athletes and families face
12:03 — Encouraging athletes who do not see themselves as athletic
15:13 — How Will teaches brand-new swimmers
20:15 — Lane orientation, walls, turns, and tappers
23:51 — First steps for getting started in swimming
26:31 — Confidence that carries beyond the pool
29:37 — Kayaking and canoeing: instruction, cues, and safety
34:59 — Family involvement, trust, and growing independence
37:56 — Rowing basics and why it works so well
43:20 — Safety habits and confidence tips across sports
46:06 — The moments that remind them why this work matters
48:24 — How to connect with Envision Blind Sports
49:10 — Kim closes and previews next week’s martial arts episode