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Post by Joel on Feb 21, 2008 13:26:09 GMT -6
OK, I finally got re-registered, and thought I'd also tell everyone about the most wonderful experience I've had in a very long time. I went with my family to a ski resort over the past weekend. While there, I decided to check out something called "adaptive skiing". It was FANTASTIC!! Most resorts now have this and they provide it for a relatively low cost. And, you don't have to know how to ski either! Anyway, I USED to be a pretty good skier, prior to my surgeries. Now, my balance and foot pain is so bad, that I can't ski. But, they put me on this sled thing, and strapped me in, then 2 guys were assigned to me. They put me on the ski-lift, took me off, then put these out riggers on the sled, so I couldn't turn it over. Then one guy tied a leash to me, so he could stop me. Then, I just LET IT RIP!! It was so exhilirating, fantastic, and awesome! I highly recommend this to ANYONE. There is no way you can't do this! They can totally control it if you want, too. Check out "adaptive skiing" websites to learn more.
Joel
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marks
Junior Member
Posts: 18
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Post by marks on Feb 22, 2008 20:16:41 GMT -6
Cool. I used to ski the blue's at Vail and I wondered if I could do this stuff. Do they have triski type of things? Way to go
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Post by 8338 on Feb 23, 2008 8:14:20 GMT -6
Joel,
So good to see you on here! Yeah, I think I finally have the hang of loging onto this site!
I am soooooooo glad that you were able to ski. There are so many ways that you can readapt to how to do things. I saw on tv about this guy, who was a quad. on the bottom half of his body. He was doing flips down ramps and landing right side up. I'm glad that we just don't have to sit in a corner somewhere.
Barb
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Post by Joel on Feb 24, 2008 14:18:46 GMT -6
Most ski resorts try now to accomodate most physical problems. From having two standard skis clamped together, with arm brackets/sli poles with little skis on the bottom, to the full sled for quads who can then just sit for the ride, buoyed by safety lines to the trainers. They will help you figure out what is best for you. One thing I'd like to try is a "ski bike". Has anyone tried this?
Joel
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Post by joanne on Feb 25, 2008 10:13:33 GMT -6
I have been skiing with an adaptive ski program for a while. One of the best and biggest on the east coast is at Windham Mountain. They house the Adaptive Sports Federation ( http://www.adaptivesportsfederation.org)
They have their own lodge at Windham and are wonderful. they have equipment ranging from outriggers (poles with skis at the end)- good for helping you control your route when you have no proprioception, to ski "bra's"- keeps the tips of your skis together so one leg doesn't go flying away, to mono ski's and bi skis (both sit down ski chairs). The last time I skied I had ski bras, outriggers, and the instructor had me harnessed up and skied behind me to slow me down when needed. Another instructor was there to help me on the lift! I felt a little self conscious at first, but got over it quickly, and LOVED the individual attention!
The ASF is staffed totally by volunteers, who are wonderful, and is funded by donations. If anybody has any interest at all in participating in skiing or any other outdoor activity, I strongly recommend giving it a try. Most resorts have an adaptive program, I would recommend just checking it out. It took me time to get the courage to actually do it, just hung out there the first time and watched.
BTW, the rates are usually very good as well, since they get sponsor donations.
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Post by joanne on Feb 25, 2008 10:16:12 GMT -6
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Post by Joel on Feb 26, 2008 16:55:21 GMT -6
I can't say enough about how I think people should try adaptive skiing. When I went to Brian Head Utah to ski a few weeks ago, the lift tickets cost $45. As a comparison, the adaptive ski experience with two instructors cost $80. So, for $35 more, I got equipment and 1st-class helpers. All I had to do was enjoy the downhill part!!
Joel
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