Creating Ability

What Creating Ability does

Creating Ability is a Chatfield, Minnesota-based specialty manufacturer founded in 2004 that designs, builds, and sells adaptive equipment for individuals with physical disabilities, with an initial and central focus on paddlesports. The product portfolio is anchored by the Universal Paddling Seat — a seating system with independently tiltable, adjustable, and removable support points mounted via interchangeable bases compatible with Current Designs, Wilderness Systems, and Old Town/Necky kayaks — and extends to stabilizing outriggers, the Kayak Chariot and Transfer Bench for wheelchair-to-kayak level transfers, and a suite of paddle adaptations covering hand function, wrist attachment, one-arm Paddle Pivot control, and custom amputee solutions. In 2024 the company filed and granted a patent on the SideStep, a portable folding transfer device that broadens the company's reach beyond kayaks to wheelchair-to-handcycle and wheelchair-to-low-surface transfers, and the company has also extended into sled hockey through the Sled Hockey Chariot and Handle.

Revenue is generated entirely through direct hardware sales: products are sold individually or as fully outfitted packages via the company website and phone (primary contact: Kevin at 507.202.2428), with on-site demonstrations, education, and outfitting services delivered at adaptive sports events nationwide. The company states it travels tens of thousands of miles annually to volunteer at events and clinics. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; customers are directed to contact the company directly. Distribution is single-country/domestic (United States), with operational presence at VA Summer/Winter Sports Clinics, the ACA Adaptive Paddling Summit, International Seating Symposium, Canoecopia, and various sled hockey and adaptive expedition events. Two customer segments are explicitly addressed: individuals with physical disabilities (primary) and veterans with disabilities participating in VA-sponsored adaptive sports programs. The operating entity does business as Chosen Valley Creating Ability, is privately held with no disclosed funding rounds, parent company, or institutional investors, and reports an employee headcount of 1-10.

Name

Creating Ability

Legal name

Creating Ability

Website

https://creatingability.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Creating Ability, founded in 2004 and based in Chatfield, Minnesota, designs and manufactures adaptive paddlesports equipment — including the Universal Paddling Seat, stabilizing outriggers, transfer devices, and paddle adaptations — alongside sled hockey mobility products, for individuals with physical disabilities and veterans served via VA adaptive sports programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Adaptive Sports Equipment

NAICS

Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394)

SIC

Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842)

akta.pro primary industry

Sports & Active Rehabilitation Devices (Adaptive Sports Mobility, Performance Prosthetics) (HLAHAMAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Paddle Sports Retail (Kayak, Canoe, SUP, Paddles) (CRAMAIAD), Rehabilitation Therapy Equipment (PT/OT Modalities, Exercise & Balance Devices) (HLAHAMAG)

Keywords

• Adaptive paddling equipment
• Wheelchair transfer devices
• Adaptive kayaking seats
• Paddle adaptations
• Sled hockey equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Chatfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Adaptive Paddling Equipment Sales: Direct sales of adaptive kayaking equipment including seating systems, paddle adaptations, outriggers, and fully outfitted kayaks. Products are sold individually or as complete packages.
2. Sled Hockey Equipment Sales: Sale of sled hockey chariots and handles for team use in ice rinks.
3. SideStep Transfer Device Sales: Portable transfer devices for wheelchair to handcycle transfers.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Creating Ability designs, manufactures, and sells adaptive paddling equipment and wheelchair transfer devices that enable individuals with physical disabilities to participate independently in kayaking, paddle sports, and sled hockey. Core offerings include the patented SideStep transfer device, the Universal Paddling Seat system, paddle grip adaptations, stabilizing outriggers, transfer benches, and sled hockey chariots, sold directly via website and phone and demonstrated at adaptive sports events nationwide.

Product overview

Creating Ability is a manufacturer of adaptive equipment for paddlesports and sled hockey, organized around its core Universal Paddling Seat system. The product portfolio consists of seating systems (including Basic Seat, Outfitted Kayaks, Kayak Mount, Canoe Mount, Stabilizing Outriggers, Kayak Chariot, Transfer Bench, and Cushions/Positioning), paddle adaptations (Hand Adaptation, Wrist Adaptation, Paddle Pivot, Specialty/Amputee Adaptations, and Lightweight Paddles), the SideStep wheelchair transfer device, and sled hockey mobility equipment (Sled Hockey Chariot and Handle). The company began in 2004 with the Universal Paddling Seat project and has since developed fully outfitted adaptive kayaks and equipment enabling people with disabilities to participate in paddlesports independently.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Universal Paddling Seat (Basic Seat) Foundational seating system designed to open paddling to everyone regardless of support needs. Each support point is independently adjustable, tilting, or removable for custom fitting, with closed-cell foam cushioning and breathable mesh fabric.
• Outfitted Kayak Fully outfitted kayaks with the Universal Seat and outrigger systems, providing complete packages for paddlers needing lateral stability. All components are individually adjustable or removable for quick setup across a wide range of paddlers.
• Kayak Mount
• Canoe Mount Clamping mechanism seat mount for quick attachment to any flat bench seat in canoes, including a seat pan designed to hold positioning cushions.
• Stabilizing Outriggers Adjustable outriggers that mount to the back deck of kayaks, offering two positions for either maximum efficiency (tight to hull) or maximum stability (extended). Removable with push-button release.
• Kayak Chariot Transfer system allowing paddlers to position the kayak cockpit at wheelchair height for level transfers on flat surfaces, then roll the rig into water for floating departure. Disassembles for easy transport.
• Transfer Bench Easy-to-use transfer system providing a flat, smooth transfer surface at wheelchair height when used with the Kayak Chariot, enabling independent transfers with adjustable handles for pressure relief.
• Cushions/Positioning Cushioning and positioning products for skin safety and effective paddling, including the Jackson Kayak Sweet Cheeks 200 seat cushion, Happy Seat leg/knee protection, and Happy Feet heel protection.
• Hand Adaptation Back-of-the-hand grip designed for paddlers with some hand function who need additional support. Takes lifting pressure off fingers, places it on arms, with adjustable height and open end for proper release.
• Wrist Adaptation Two-part system for paddlers unable to grasp the paddle shaft: a wristband worn on the wrist and an attachment plate mounted to the paddle. Slides together for full power, rotation, and control without releasing.
• Paddle Pivot Pivoted paddle adaptation combining with the Universal Base for one-arm kayak control, providing support to remove paddle weight from arms when using both arms. Snaps onto any paddle shaft and lifts out for ease of entry.
• Specialty/Amputee Adaptations Custom paddle adaptation solutions created in consultation with amputees and those with specialized needs.
• Lightweight Paddles Full line of Current Designs paddles compatible with all paddle adaptations, offered for sale alongside custom paddle selection assistance.
• SideStep Patented transfer device allowing users to transfer from a wheelchair to and from a handcycle or any low surface. Portable design that folds for easy transportation and storage.
• Sled Hockey Chariot Mobility device that rolls under sled hockey sled tubes, allowing players to be lifted and rolled away from rink entrances without dragging. Enables entire teams to clear ice in under 2 minutes.
• Sled Hockey Handle Handle insert for sled hockey sleds that enables lifting and pulling without bending. Works with the Sled Hockey Chariot to facilitate player transport off the ice.

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• BLESMA/TRRminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 March 2020BLESMA (British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association) and TRR partner with Creating Ability for kayaking programs in Key Largo, Florida, providing paddlesports instruction and self-growth programs.
• Hendrickson FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 February 2020Hendrickson Foundation organizes a sled hockey tournament where Creating Ability provides support and equipment for sled hockey participants.
• American Canoe Association (ACA)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 2 November 2018ACA is the governing body for paddlesports. Creating Ability participates in the ACA Adaptive Paddling Summit, an educational and networking event for adaptive paddling professionals.
• Adaptive ExpeditionsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2018Adaptive Expeditions partners with Creating Ability for adaptive kayaking, paddle boarding, jet-skiing, water-skiing, and swimming events. They have collaborated for 6+ years including events with MUSC Physical Therapy.
• Camp FairleeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 June 2018Camp Fairlee in Chestertown, Maryland hosts private training sessions with Creating Ability for adaptive paddlesports instruction.
• Spring CreekminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpring Creek initially designed and built outriggers. Creating Ability takes their original design and modifies it to mount to the back deck of a kayak. Spring Creek produces tough, well-designed products made in the USA.
• Current DesignscoreTechnology or IntegrationCreating Ability's 'Go-to' solo kayak is the Current Designs Solara 120. They stock a full line of Current Designs kayaks and bases for mounting seats. They also carry Current Designs paddles.
• Jackson KayakminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCreating Ability resells Jackson Kayak cushion products including Sweet Cheeks 200, Happy Seat, and Happy Feet for use with their seating systems.
• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCreating Ability provides equipment and support for VA-sponsored adaptive sports clinics including National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic, National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, and New England Summer Sports Clinic.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Old Town Canoe: Iconic canoe and kayak brand whose hulls Creating Ability mounts seats and bases to. A broader incumbent offering complete kayaks/canoes where adaptive buyers make initial platform decisions.
• KEEN (Adaptive Footwear Line): Broader footwear and outdoor brand with an explicit adaptive footwear line. Represents the kind of large brand that could enter adaptive paddlesports with greater resources and distribution reach.
• EasyStand / Altimate Medical: Established manufacturer of standing and transfer equipment for individuals with mobility limitations. Overlaps with Creating Ability's transfer-device category (SideStep) and shares a clinical/rehabilitation distribution channel.

Direct peers

• NRS (Northwest River Supplies): Major paddlesports retailer/manufacturer offering kayaks, paddles, and accessories. Comparable customer base of paddlers; creates pricing and channel competition for adaptive equipment buyers shopping for broader paddlesports kits.
• Aquabound: Paddle manufacturer with strong presence in kayak and adaptive paddling segments. Competes on paddle shaft compatibility and adaptation ecosystems; relevant peer for any paddle-focused product expansion.
• Freedom Concepts: Manufacturer of adaptive cycles, tricycles, and mobility equipment for individuals with disabilities. Highly comparable in mission, customer segment (people with disabilities), and product category (specialty adaptive recreation hardware).
• Werner Paddles: Leading paddle manufacturer serving recreational and adaptive paddlers. Competes for paddle adaptation/handle revenue and is a complementary supplier in the same channel ecosystem.
• Jackson Kayak: Established kayak manufacturer and Creating Ability channel partner; resells Jackson Kayak cushion products (Sweet Cheeks 200, Happy Seat, Happy Feet). Overlapping customer base of paddlers, and Jackson's broader product line means Creating Ability competes for share of wallet when customers purchase full kayak packages.
• Current Designs Kayaks: Core kayak OEM partner whose Solara 120 is Creating Ability's 'go-to' solo platform; sells full line of Current Designs kayaks and paddles. Direct overlap in adaptive paddlers' purchase decisions and shared retail/distribution footprint.

Regional players

• Move United: US adaptive sports organization (formerly Disabled Sports USA) that connects athletes with adaptive programs and equipment providers. Comparable ecosystem role; potential channel partner and competitive conduit for adaptive athletes in the US.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/creatingability

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Creating Ability