SUP ’N’ SKATE in Scharbeutz: Inclusive exercise between the skate park and the Baltic Sea
Scharbeutz – Wheels on concrete, paddles in the water, and a clear message: participation in sports is possible. At the SUP ’N’ SKATE event in 2025, the Baltic Sea resort once again became a meeting point for people with and without disabilities who wanted to be active together – both in the skate park and on the water.
The focus of the event was on skating and stand-up paddling together on various boards from SUPUNITY. Wheelchair users and pedestrians used the facility and the beach on an equal footing, supported one another, and tested new equipment and moves. It was less about athletic performance and more about sharing the experience and breaking down inhibitions. Spectators followed the action from up close, engaged in conversation, and experienced inclusion in a very direct way.
The skating activities provided by the SIT'N'SKATE team were complemented by inclusive stand-up paddling on the Baltic Sea. With specially adapted equipment from SUPUNITY and TRAIL-MATE and under the guidance of trained instructors, even people with physical disabilities were able to get onto the boards via the beach. Whether sitting or standing, participants moved on the water with self-determination and gained new experiences in water sports. Thanks to the modular TRAIL-MATE path system, which paved the way across the sand to the water, it was the first encounter with stand-up paddling for many.
The combination of skating on land and paddling on the water gave the event a special character. It showed that inclusive sports offers do not have to be limited to individual disciplines, but can be thought of in versatile ways – provided that the framework conditions and support are right.
SUP ’N’ SKATE 2025 made it clear how low-threshold offers facilitate encounters: differences in mobility faded into the background, while joint physical activity, mutual consideration, and exchange shaped the day. Scharbeutz provided not only the suitable infrastructure for this, but also the backdrop of an open, summery Baltic Sea resort.
