With summer on my mind, for my final extra blog activity, I decided to center on a summer activity and research waterskiing for the disabled. I found a few helpful websites and they explained that there are several different types of waterskiing for both able bodied people and those with a disability. For both able bodied participants and those with a disability, the equipment is similar. You need either water-skis or a wake board, rope to hold on to that attaches to a boat, and some sort of motor boat or device. A rope is attached to the back of the boat and the skier hold the handle on the other end. As the boat starts up and takes off, the skier waits until it pulls them and holds on, trailing behind the boat on their skies. There are many adaptations for people with disabilities to still be able to water ski. There are boards that allow people to sit ski who may be paralyzed from the waist down or have other physical disabilities that prevent them from standing. These have a metal-framed cage for the person to sit in with a canvas sling to help with balance and mobility. There are prosthetics called “ski legs” for people with single leg amputations and the person can either use two skis or put both legs on one, wider ski. There is also something called a Delgar sling for people who may not be able to use one of their arms. It is a sling that wraps around their good shoulder, passes behind the back, and attaches to the handle of the rope. If the skier was to fall, the end of the handle pops off so the boat does not drag the fallen skier.
Supervision should be present when people are water skiing and some precautions should be made before someone goes out on the water and starts skiing. Participants first of all should know how to swim and be aware of water safety. Participants should also wear a lifejacket at all times in case of a fall and for when they start and stop in the water. People must also pass a water safety test in order to ski and should have their strength and abilities assessed in order to be matched to proper equipment and meet their individual goals. Participants should also have the strength to be able to turn themselves over from a face down position in the water to their back side in case they were to tip or fall.
Water skiing is an active sport that may require some practice, but after awhile, I think it would be very beneficial for people with disabilities. It gives them a challenge and something to work on and excel in, challenging them both physically and mentally. People sometimes have the idea that people with disabilities cannot participate in active sports anymore and become much less active. This activity can break that stereotype and give people a fun, thrilling form of recreation that can clear their minds and give them a challenge. It can be great for people with physical disabilities such as those who may be paralyzed or have an amputation. It can also be participated in by people with visual or hearing impairments and helps people become empowered with their ability to succeed, despite their disability. Recreation is beneficial for everybody and getting people out on the water on a nice day can boost somebody’s spirits and self esteem. If participants are knowledgeable in the water and have proper equipment and supervision, they are all set to participate in a fun, rewarding activity such as waterskiing!
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