Kayaking For People With Disabilities

By George Ross

Olden days when people with physical disabilities were considered helpless has long since gone. These days, society and various communities for the physically challenged have devised ways to make them become more responsible and independent. These individuals can even take a sport without a problem. People always feel a sense of accomplishment when they are able to overcome challenges and it is exciting to note that the challenge of physical disability is just a thing of the past.

Among the favorite recreation today for handicapped people is kayaking. There are dedicated individuals that have revolutionized the sport to make them available even for people with physical challenges. Mark Theobald is one of these so called individuals.

Mark is known as the disabled kayak inventor/extraordinaire to his peers. With his innovative ways and astonishing dedication, he has made the sport possible and accessible to people who before had no chance of enjoying paddling the waters. His revolutionary paddles and backrest adaptations have made his designs a hit for many organizations with disability programs.

Kayaking enthusiasts with physical disabilities have much to thank Mark for. One enthusiast who cannot walk raved that kayaking is a great sport for him because paddling can replace walking and now he can be free to explore unique environments and overcome challenges with independence.

Today quadriplegics also have a chance to enjoy kayaks as Mark is continually working with them to engineer designs that would enable them to enjoy the sport on their own. One in particular, a female college student with cerebral palsy who thought she wouldn't be able to paddle a kayak has done the unexpected. Like most people who suffer from CP, her movements are severely limited.

A quadriplegic who had very limited use of his hands took one of Marks creations for a spin. The revolutionized hand paddles made it easy for him to command the kayak. He gave Marks paddle concept a very high review. At the moment, he is working with Mark to further develop the concept to enable even those with severe disabilities to enjoy the sport of kayaking.

There are some people like Mark who tirelessly devote their time, skill and effort to help make handicapped people enjoy life to the fullest. A sport like kayaking is no longer exclusive to fully able people. Even people with disabilities now have a chance to explore new environments and surpass insurmountable challenges even on their own. - 29951

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