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- Business Sector: Activity Operator
- Location: Water Street, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, LL59 5DE
- Website: ribride.co.uk
Part of initial Anglesey Pilot Project – Jan 2021
About RibRide
| RibRide is an award-winning activity operator offering watersport adventures around Anglesey’s coastline. With super-fast RIBs, riders can enjoy an hour-long trip along the Menai Strait travelling through the famous Swellies with its shipwrecks, rocks, and whirlpools and under Thomas Telford’s Menai Suspension Bridge and Britannia Bridge, or if riders want an adrenalin thrill, there is a 30-minute ride on Velocity, the world’s fastest RIB or a ride on the Efoil, an electric surfboard that flies above the surface of the water. As Wales’ largest island, Anglesey boasts a spectacular coastline and RibRide is at the forefront of activity operators that have made North Wales famous for being the UK’s leading adventure destination. “RibRide prides itself on being totally committed to offering fully inclusive boat trips, so everyone has the opportunity to get on the water and enjoy themselves with one of our memorable adventures.” Phil Scott, RibRide |
The Challenge
| Water sport activities are not always seen as being suitable for people with accessibility issues, but by looking at the needs of the traveller on an individual basis, RibRide can overcome most issues. This is only possible though if passengers notify RibRide of any extra/special assistance required at the time of booking. Some departure points have steps and access is affected by the tides – click here to see their Access Statement – but RibRide’s skippers can overcome most issues to adapt a trip to suit a traveller’s requirements. |
When Benjie, an autistic young adult, with his two carers wanted to experience some adventure, RibRide were only too happy to work with Benjie’s mother and carers to plan his trip. Rib Ride ensured that accessibility was not an issue for visitor with Autism and two support carers. |
Supporting the Solution
| Autism is a spectrum disorder which means autistic people can have varying support needs. By working closely with Benjie’s mum, RibRide’s skipper was able to gain an understanding of Benjie’s requirements, which included the necessity to be able to dock at any time if Benjie suddenly needed to get ashore. This knowledge enabled the skipper to meticulously plan Benjie’s trip, so his needs were fully catered for at all times while also achieving Benjie’s wish of having an unforgettable watersport adventure. |
The Benefits
| There are many health, mental and emotional benefits of being on the water, and by ensuring their trips are fully accessible, RibRide is bringing these benefits to people with accessibility issues while giving them the freedom to experience a fun and exhilarating activity. |
How is PIWS supporting RibRide?
| RibRide is working with PIWS to make people with accessibility issues fully aware that they can enjoy a watersport adventure on Anglesey. |
What resources were introduced?
| Purple Bubble Anyone with accessibility issues wanting a trip on a RIB can with RibRide’s Purple Bubble. There are two exciting trip options with passenger numbers from 2 to 10. For more details please visit: www.ribride.com/purplebubble Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme  Sunflower Awareness The Sunflower is a recognised sign that the wearer has a hidden disability. It’s discreet but easy for others to identify, acknowledge and understand that the wearer faces challenges, whether that be the need for additional support, help or a little more time. Through PIWS RibRide has registered to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme. Their membership has seen RibRide be added to the scheme’s location map on its website and they have committed to train their staff to identify the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower which ensures they have a deeper understanding of hidden disabilities and learn how to approach and support customers who are wearing a Hidden Sunflower. By working together, PIWS and RibRide are making a difference. |
| RibRide’s skippers are extremely helpful and they aim to cater to all needs. However, they do ask that anybody needing extra/special assistance talks to them first on 0333 1234 303. Some departure points have steps and access is affected by the tides. You may need to provide your own aids and helpers. · RibRide-ing requires no skill, just the ability to: · Walk 260 meters from our Bookings Office to the pontoon at St George’s Pier · Climb down 3 steps on a short step ladder · Then cross a small gap onto the RIB At St George’s Pier in Menai Bridge there is a sloping walkway leading to the pontoon where you access the RIBs. This walkway is like a bridge and has great views of the Strait. Passengers affected by a phobia of heights may want to chat to them about this before they book an adventure. Are there toilets on the RIB?No, there are no toilets on the RIBs. Please use RibRide’s customer toilets at its Bookings Office at the Porth Daniel boatyard, Menai Bridge before your trip commences. They are unable to pull in or make shore stops. Where do we park?Unfortunately, RibRide does not have its own parking area, nor can they guarantee street parking. However, there are several accessible car parks near the pick-up locations – enter the postcode into www.parkopedia.co.uk. |
The PIWS Project
| The aim is to encourage access for all to enjoy, to participate and be part of community lifestyle activities on Anglesey and beyond. To feel confident in visiting various locations in the knowledge that they will be welcomed, understood, and catered for. |
