Summer is here, and there is no better way to beat the heat than having fun in the water.
“I did both my inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation at the Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (RHI), and they have a great adaptive sports clinic that offers clinics for adaptive water skiing, kayaking, sailing, rowing, and scuba diving,” says Annie Streit, our Grassroots Advocacy Manager. “I took part in the waterskiing clinic and as a former water skier before my accident, and it was absolutely incredible to get out on the water again!”
Annie and the Outdoor Access Working Group crew recommend these organizations, which offer the opportunity to enjoy adaptive waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing and more.
Adaptive Adventures
This national organization provides equipment, quality tow boats, and personalized instruction regardless of mobility, visual, or other impairments. (303) 679-2770, info@adaptiveadventures.org
Ann’s Angels Adaptive Waterski Foundation
Located in Winter Haven, FL, Ann’s Angels AWF provides waterskiing and wakeboarding events for individuals with physical and mental disabilities. (407) 342-6635, annsangelsawf@gmail.com
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Arizona Adaptive Water Sports
This organization offers waterskiing and tubing and holds its events at Bartlett Lake in Arizona. Waterskiing equipment is offered for all levels with the outrigger or monoski. Tubing is offered with a Hoyer lift that can transfer you in and out of the tube safely. (602) 228-3660, jo@azadaptivewatersports.org
H2O Adaptive Sports
Located in Illinois, H2O offers a variety of adaptive options for the disability community to participate in adaptive waterskiing and tubing. (872) 216-6607, contact@H2Oadaptivesports.com
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Leap of Faith Adaptive Skiers
Located in Connecticut, LOF is a national leader in adaptive waterskiing. The Water Sports Program also offers tubing. (203) 426-0666, lofskiers@gmail.com
Midwest Adaptive Sports
Based out of Missouri, this organization provides recreational and competitive sports programs for the disability community. Their annual Day at the Lake is an event that provides an opportunity for people with spinal cord injuries, amputations, or other disabilities to water ski. midwestadaptivesports@gmail.com
Missouri Disabled Water Ski Association
MDWSA was created for the betterment of adaptive waterskiing and disabled athletes. It was formed in response to a need in the community for an organization that will focus its energy and resources on professionally developing, organizing, promoting, and providing a comprehensive program of adaptive waterskiing for those with physical and developmental disabilities and visual impairments. Registration is required for all events. info@MDWSA.org
National Ability Center
This organization is in Park City, Utah and hosts adaptive waterskiing at the Jordanelle State Park. A wide range of adaptive gear is available with a team of experienced instructors. (435) 649-3991, info@discovernac.org
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National Wheelcats Association
Located in Tennessee, this organization offers adaptive waterskiing for all ages and abilities. (270) 483-1685, mikesells77@comcast.net
Northeast Passage
Northeast Passage offers adaptive equipment and staff instruction to support skiers of all abilities throughout the summer months at two locations (New Hampshire and Massachusetts.) Sit-down and stand-up waterskiing are both available. (603) 862-0070, northeast.passage@unh.edu
RISE Adaptive Sports
RISE is in Irving, Texas and offers adaptive waterskiing and tubing for all ages and skill levels. Participants must join RISE free of cost to participate in any of the programs offered. (972) 292-8650, info@riseadaptivesports.org
Safety first!
Being safe and knowing how adaptive water sports activities equipment should be handled and used is extremely important in making your experience fun. To have a successful day on the water, the following should also be considered:
- Pack a survival kit with your medications, seasickness pills, first aid supplies, repair tools and extra personal medical supplies such as catheters.
- Bring drinks and food if none are provided.
- Stay hydrated, wear clothing that protects you from the sun (hat, sunglasses, etc.), and remember sunscreen.
- Wear a properly fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and, if required, a properly fitted helmet and wet suit.
- Always use the correct equipment for your ability level.
- Follow standard rules and instructions, know your limits and make sure you are well-trained.
- Know and recognize the common emergency and help signals.
- Do not go alone. Have someone in close proximity in case something goes wrong.
- Avoid adapted water sports at night or during dangerous weather conditions.
Outdoor Access Working Group
Our United Spinal’s Outdoor Access Working Group collaborates with advocates across the United States to remove barriers and promote outdoor adaptive activities of all kinds. To join us, please fill out this online form.
Featured image thanks to H2O Adaptive Sports.
