Shaping new paths together – not just at the beach, but also in the snow: the new partnership between Open Ocean e.V. & TRAIL-MATE.
At the beginning of January, we handed over our path system to Johannes Laing, Co-Founder of Open Ocean e.V. – it was a great pleasure for us!
Accessibility rethought: The collab between Open Ocean e.V. and TRAIL-MATE
Accessibility, inclusion, and participation have long been more than just buzzwords – they are central building blocks for a fair and sustainable society. This is exactly where the collaboration between Open Ocean e.V. and TRAIL-MATE comes in. The innovative path system for wheelchair users developed by TRAIL-MATE is redefining access to nature.
Inclusion begins with access
Many outdoor spaces remain difficult or even impossible to access for people with limited mobility. Steep paths, uneven surfaces, or a lack of information create barriers – often unintentionally, but with real consequences. The cooperation between Open Ocean e.V. and TRAIL-MATE addresses exactly this point: the goal is to create barrier-free paths that enable genuine participation.
It is not just about reducing obstacles, but about actively incorporating inclusion into the thinking process – from planning and implementation to the actual use of the paths.
The TRAIL-MATE path system for greater participation
The TRAIL-MATE path system is consistently aligned with the needs of wheelchair users. Aspects such as incline, surface, turning areas, and safety play just as much a role as orientation and user-friendliness. This creates paths that are not only technically accessible, but also offer a positive user experience.
TRAIL-MATE contributes its expertise in off-road mobility, while Open Ocean e.V. leverages its experience in inclusive and sustainable projects. Adaptive surfing is supported by the TRAIL-MATE path system, rounding off a holistic approach that rethinks accessibility in the outdoor sector.
Experiencing nature – for everyone
Nature experiences promote health, well-being, and social participation. But true inclusion means that these experiences are accessible to everyone – regardless of physical prerequisites. The TRAIL-MATE path system creates exactly these conditions and opens up new possibilities for equal participation in nature, movement, and community.
Sustainable, inclusive, future-oriented
In addition to accessibility, sustainability is also a focus of the collab. The paths are planned in such a way that they blend harmoniously into the surroundings and remain usable in the long term. The project thus demonstrates that inclusion, environmental protection, and innovative mobility solutions are not contradictory – but complement each other meaningfully. And: Naturally, the path panels are recyclable.
The collaboration between Open Ocean e.V. and TRAIL-MATE is a strong example of how accessibility can be implemented in concrete terms. With a well-thought-out path system for wheelchair users, inclusion becomes tangible and participation becomes a reality. An important step towards a society in which outdoor experiences are truly open to all. And: For the members of Open Ocean e.V., the TRAIL-MATE path system is not only available at events, but TRAIL-MATE FLEX packages are also available for individual use.