water sport for quadriplegic

[nightvision]

Hi all,<br />I'm relatively new to boating and would like to introduce watersports to a quadriplegic family member. Well, I think water skiing and wakeboarding will be out of the questions. I think tubing in its different forms will be fine. However, he seems to take an interest in kneeboarding. He tried it, but could not get his knees in the straps. Thus, we spend the day pulling him with his belly on the the kneeboard and he had a great time. We got to think if there is a "belly board" (similar to a kneeboard)of sort on the market that one can steer and go from left to right it would be great. For example, there is a handle that one can turn to steer. This way the quadriplegic can lay on his belly and control the board. Have anyone seen anything like this on the market or on the lake? We are considering builting one, if there is nothing out there. Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated. We have invented or I should say "reinvented" many devices so our quadriplegic family member can join the fun. THanks.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: water sport for quadriplegic

A wide surfboard for belly boarding and a sevlor 'manta ray' are two things that come to mind.<br /><br />I've seen a lounge chair mounted on two surfboards, maybe you could do something like that - maybe with outriggers - dunno.

 

[imported_Warren]

Re: water sport for quadriplegic

Nightvision.......<br /><br /> This guy runs a free program for people in chairs....He's a member of a California based fishing website that I frequent www.bloodydecks.com .....His fishing reports look like a lot of fun....He's got it down to a science.......Warren<br /><br />Here is his website. http://www.fightingchair.com/

 

[imported_scott_m]

Re: water sport for quadriplegic

I saw something a couple of years back called the air-chair I think it was, made for people with disabilities, but looks like a heck of a lot of fun. It is a sort of chair - not sure if you strap in or not, attached to a ski with a hydrofoil on the ski so once you get up to speed it lifts off the ski and rides on the foil only. Really does look like fun.

 

[sergioy]

Re: water sport for quadriplegic

Mack - I have seen a guy on one of those ski chairs before, that is wild. It would definately be worth giving it a look. I wewnt on ebay to check one out and they are kind of pricey.

 

[sangerwaker]

Re: water sport for quadriplegic

The air chair or sky skis can go over $3000 for the deluxe models with the shock absorber. Base models are about 1000 new. They are a lot of fun, though.<br /><br />Check out the USA waterski site. They have a disability division and may have some links to manufacturers sites.

 

[monoshock]

Re: water sport for quadriplegic

We have a 12’ windsurf/sailboard that I pull behind the boat. It has foot straps that you can pull your self up on with and hold on to when under way. I have pulled a lot of fiends on it that have never done any water sports and they have always got going after a few tries. Also you have the option of holding the ski rope or tying it to the front of the board. It can be steered very well, and you can even jump small waves/wake with it. I can post a picture of the kids in action on the board, if you want.

 

[nightvision]

Re: water sport for quadriplegic

Hi all,<br />Thanks for all the reply and links.<br />Monoshock, please do post your picture.

 

[monoshock]

Re: water sport for quadriplegic

Here are the pictures. The board will plane at anything over 10mph, it very stable and easy to ride even with two people. The best part is you can turn from side to side and have a blast. You my find a used one cheap. I bought mine in Florida when I use to windsurf there.

Hope this helps.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: water sport for quadriplegic

http://www.spokesnmotion.com/

 

[lakelivin]

Re: water sport for quadriplegic

monoshock- do you tow the board with the keelboard or without it?<br /><br />I've got a big, older board that I use like a kayak. really cruises over the water. plus I've got a long kayak paddle, so i can use it standing up (requires some balance, though). Haven't tried towing it behind gthe boat yet, will have to give it a shot.

 

[monoshock]

Re: water sport for quadriplegic

Originally posted by LakeLivin:<br /> monoshock- do you tow the board with the keelboard or without it?<br />

I tow it with out the center/keel board just the skeg/fin on the rear, I filled the slot with a foam strip so the water doesn’t spray up in your face. One time myself and two boys stood up on it at the same time while being towed, I laughed so hard my face was sore. We have used ours like kayak before; if you have a double paddle it will move fairly fast.

 

[lakelivin]

Re: water sport for quadriplegic

monoshock- if you have a fairly long kayak (double) paddle, try paddling it standing up. you'll get some funny looks, but kind of fun. suggest you use the keel board for this, though, as it really helps with stability/ balbnce.