Hi

was just wondering if anyone knows someone disabled that flys? how do they do it? wheelchair kiting maybe??

Also can they go on the sea? is there a canoe like thing to sit in for disabled sea kiting??

Thanks

I ran into a guy at the beach last month flying a 15m Synegy. We were out in 15-20winds and 4-6ft surf. I came in to talk to him after he landed and noticed that he was missing his leg below the knee and had a metal leg with a shoe on it. I had alot of respect for those skills. If there is a need,you can overcome anything!.....aj

Don't know about kiting, but here's my inspiration.
Doug Henry, 1998 Motocross champ, became a parapaligic 2 years ago after hitting a wall in a race. Did'nt slow him down much.....

http://vimeo.com/6875050

Yes some parapalegics do it in sport chairs.

I'll try and post a video later

I remember seeing another video and will search for it... but for now here's one.

Video here

Thats pretty cool, could they use buggys and what not?

I have a friend of mine here in Vegas that lost both his legs in a paragliding accident, one right above the knee, the other just below.

He has ridden my Ivanpah buggy across the lake bed with his Venom II's a number of times as well as been out on Lake Mojave kite surfing. He doesn't use a chair but rides just the same as everyone else, standing on his two (now carbon fiber reinforced) legs and feet.

I will try to get the picture of him riding and post it up.

Here you go!

http://en.radsails.com/kite-videos/events/Kitesports-Alex-Sa...

I would Love to teach some wheelchair folks this sport !:wee:

You found it!


Good Job, I was looking for it.

Quote:

Originally posted by awindofchange I have a friend of mine here in Vegas that lost both his legs in a paragliding accident, one right above the knee, the other just below. He has ridden my Ivanpah buggy across the lake bed with his Venom II's a number of times as well as been out on Lake Mojave kite surfing.

That's awesome, but how does he steer w/o any legs...?

I am pretty sure He just swings his hips to turn. I know you can keep a wheelchair going by swinging your hips only. A bit like pumping along on a skateboard.

With all the cool stuff para's get in to I would think they would be all over our sport ?

I had hoped Dirtslide might help me to get something going at our local rehab center while He is going there but it never happened .

Yup, he can push through his hips and he does have upper leg movement although somewhat limited.

Just have to make sure his prosthetic legs/feet don't drop off the pegs. He had to work out a flotation solution for the kite surfing though, if he wiped out and lost his legs he didn't want them to sink. lol

Quote:

Originally posted by Bladerunner Here you go! http://en.radsails.com/kite-videos/events/Kitesports-Alex-Sa... I would Love to teach some wheelchair folks this sport !:wee:

Thats Great, i can imagine how inspirational he must be.

I met a guy in RI that is in a wheelchair. He was a long distance bicycle racer and crashed many years ago. He is considered a quadroplegic with weakened use of his hands and arms. He flew REV in comp when I met him. Real strong will power and resolve. I'll try and find his info. I am terrible with names now. (TBI you knew) +