Extreme Wheelchair Sports

 Extreme Wheelchair SportsWheelchair sports cover the wide spectrum of sports for wheechar bound people from likes of wheelchair basketball to wheelchair tennis and  wheelchair racing to wheelchair golf. Yet, extreme wheelchair sports have earned respect and distinction in the disabled mobility sports arena.

Extreme sports have evolved from people who want to take risk-taking, adrenalin-seeking athletes who have a quest to continually push the barriers of what’s possible in life ignoring th fact they are wheelchair bound.

These athletes have served as role models of achievement and inspired others to take on challenges they otherwise would not have considered possible before. Power wheelchair racing and chairing is growing in popularity and includes rail riding, stunting and street rides with ramps and other obstacles. Organized clubs and events are heightening awareness and attracting more athletes to test their abilities.

Adaptive snow skiing is another extreme sport that you can find in popular ski destinations. The most common types of adaptive ski techniques are three-track skiing, two/four-track skiing, mono-skiing and bi-skiing. Contact your ski resorts to learn whats required to d before you travel.


The water version of skiing, thats water skiing attracts wheelchair bound people who enjoy the speed and exhilaration of being pulled behind a boat.

Other extreme sports activities which can be tried out is surfing, skateboarding, surfing, snowboarding, jousting, and jumping.

Do a simple intenet search and see what you can come up with, you be able to find clubs, events and contacts in your area if you are interested in testing the limits as an extreme sports athlete.

Interested in Wheelchair Sports? Look at the comprehesive list of Wheelchair Related Sports.

Power Wheelchair Racing

pwra flier 2008 300x237 Power Wheelchair RacingPower Wheelchair Racing is an extreme wheelchair sport can be done by anyone with a power wheelchair. This is a great sport for your mind, body, and soul and of course for the risk-taking, adrenalin-seeking athletes. Not only is it fun, but its filled with excitement and challenges. When a person gets out there and races head to head with someone they forget everything which includes they in a wheelchair.

Power Wheelchair racing is a new sport and is slowly getting the attention from many people around the world. As with many sports they are not for everyone, and there no difference here but if your up for the challenge then power wheelchair racing is for you.

There are currently 5 racing classes in the PWRA and every participant will be assigned to a class. Classes are made to match participants physical ability, power chair speed, and racing experience.

Class
speed
injury or disability
1
----
C2 SCI / sip n puff chairs
2
5-7 MPH
C3 SCI / MS / SP / Amputee / ...
3
7-10 MPH
C4-C5 SCI / MS / SP / Amputee /...
4
8-11 MPH
C5-C7 SCI / MS / SP/ Amputee/ ...
5
11 - + MPH
Full upper body function

All participants must enter in their class or they may enter in a higher class, but no one may enter in a class lower than there own. Racing ranges from asphalt to off road, and may also incorporate different obstacles such as bump jumps, whoops, and table tops.


Winners from each class ranging from 1st place to 3rd will be awarded trophy's or prizes. Every power wheechair racer no matter what place they may come in or finish for the day will be awarded points. Points will be added at the end of the season and there will be trophies and prizes awarded for points leaders in the season. Races are organised by the Power Wheelchair Racing Association (PWRA) and are currently held in the Chicago land area, but the PWRA is looking to expand to more cities in the future.

If you are interested in starting Power Wheelchair Racing in your local town please PWRA.

If your interested in starting in Power Wheelchair Racing then why not contact Power Wheelchair Racing Association by clcking on the link.

Interested in Wheelchair Sports? Look at the comprehesive list at Wheelchair Related Sports.

Wheelchair Exercise-workout

A proper wheelchair exercise program can significantly improve your health and well-being over time. Sitting in a wheelchair for long periods of time can cause annoying restlessness and discomfort. It's important to maintain a regular and preferably daily routine of exercise to kep your body toned and the mind sharp.
Wheelchair exercise will over time help increase strength, improve mobility, flexibility, strengthen the heart and lungs, and help control weight.

We understand that every body has a unique situation so before any excerise its recommended to consukt your doctor or healthcare professional to determine what type of program and which exercises are appropriate for you and your situation.

Have your healthare professional create a unique program and have them regularly monitor your progress to ensure its still relvant to you over time.


Your wheelchair exercise routine may include the use of resistance training bands and free weights. You will be advised specifically how to use these strength-building aids. With resistance bands, you wrap them securely around a door, pole, arm of your wheelchair, or other stable object.

Then, you pull the bands towards you or away from you to work your muscles. You can use the bands to do arm and leg extensions, shoulder rotations and pull downs.

When strength training with free weights, you will use dumbbells and have a routine comprised of different repetitions and sets designed work different muscle groups.

The key is to remember to keep a positive attitude. Start slowly and apply discipline to get into a regular exercise and fitness program. Always consult with your doctor or healthcare professional to ensure you are progressing appropriately.

Interested in Wheelchair Sports? Look at the comprehesive list of Wheelchair Related Sports.

Sky Pal: On-Board Aircraft Wheelchair

aircraft wheelchair 300x250 Sky Pal: On Board Aircraft WheelchairSince the new ECAC Code of Good Conduct – EU Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006 which was implemented a few monthes ago on July 26th 2008, Percival Aviation has created an on-board aircraft wheelchair to meet the DPTAC guidelines. Due to the dimensions,size and weight of normal wheelchairs, they are not recommended for any air travel, the SkyPAL is small enough for use as an aisle chair, travel as cabin baggage or be stowed.

Techincal Specification

  • Width350
  • Length653
  • Seat Width350
  • Seat Depth420
  • Seat Height525

  • Width Between Arm rests285
  • Height of Arm Rest From Seat240
  • Height of Back450
  • Height of handles800
  • Height of Foot Rest Above Ground145
  • Height of Foot Rest to Seat380
  • Wheel Diameter Front100
  • Wheel Diameter Rear100
  • Weight of Chair6.5kg
  • Maximum Load100kg

Folded Measurements

  • Total Width350
  • Total Length565
  • Total Height245
  • Frame ColourSilver
  • Fabric ColourBlack

Key Features

DPTAC Compliant

  • Single action Braking systemKey Feature
  • Single action Folding BackrestKey Feature
  • Passenger Harness restraint systemKey Feature
  • Retractable ArmrestsKey Feature
  • Ergonomically positioned folding HandlesKey Feature
  • Indv. Folding Footrest with heel support Key Feature
  • Cushioned SeatKey Feature
  • Lower leg securityKey Feature
  • Fabrics - easy cleanKey Feature
  • Maintenance Manual & ScheduleKey Feature
  • 100mm dia WheelsKey Feature

Advantages
FeatureEASE OF USE
FeatureLIGHT WEIGHT CONSTRUCTION
FeatureCOMPACT
FeatureCOMFORTABLE

COMPLIANCE

  • This wheel chair complies with the
    (UK)DPTAC On-board Wheel Chair specification and the
    (US) DoT 14 CRF Part 382

For more details visit there site at SkyPal or more wheelchair reviews.

Wheelchair Rental for Travel or Temporary Impairment

Previously we I discussed buying second hand wheelchairs and heres another option, which is wheelchair rental. This form of rental of wheelchair is ideal for people who suffer injuries temporarily impairing their mobility or people who are travelling or going on vacation who have disabilities or impaired mobility both benefit from wheelchair rental services. Wheelchairs, scooters, and electric wheelchairs can be rented locally or reserved online.

Health insurance will sometimes covers the cost of wheelchair rentals, if you have a doctor’s prescription. Pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics usually rent wheelchairs. Check your yellow pages, a section on wheelchairs may exist.

Wheelchair rental services are available for travellers so if you’re planning a vacation, or travelling by plane, look into it, it will make your travelling experience more comfortable.  Airports will offer wheelchair and scooter rentals for travellers. You can rent a wheelchair-accessible vehicle and wheelchair with the same services and have everything waiting at the airport. You should be able to find a wheelchair or scooter rental service in any major airport or city. Renting scooters can make a visit to a theme park or other tourist attraction easier for people with reduced mobility as well.


If you’re going on a cruise ship, make plans in advance and be sure to book with a cruise line that will offer you accommodation with your needs taken into consideration.

Wheelchair rental services help people with limited mobility, offering convenient services for travellers and for people who suffer injuries.

Remember researching before renting your wheelchair will pay off

Fashion Designs for Women in Wheelchairs

Women in wheelchairs often find that their wheelchair condition can limit there choice of clothes they can buy. Generally clothing has been designed for mobility therefore they tend to be loose fitting as a almost one size fits all, which means style is never a option. Now slowly designers are emerging who cater to women who want up-to-date fashion design yet with a stylish and comfortable in a wheelchair.

Clothing designed for use in wheelchairs is generally made to accommodate any disability. This can be very important for people who suffer a lack of motor ability in their hands, therefore many manufacturers include Velcro seams with feaux buttons, making it possible to dress themselves independently. If you are able to use buttons, however, you may prefer a button-down shirt, but still want it to be designed to look good while you're in a sitting position and not when your standing as with normal clothing.

Clothing design for people in wheelchairs has been slower to evolve than wheelchair design. You can get a variety of wheelchairs to match any disability with any cause, but most wheelchair-appropriate clothing design is designed to be accessible to anyone.


Now designers are finally catching up with wheelchair fashion and especially women in wheelchairs. There still aren't many sources of fashion clothing for women in wheelchairs but the market is expanding. These designers tend to focus on simply making clothing which looks good and is comfortable while sitting down, which may make them a tempting option for people who work in an office as well.

With new wheelchair fashion designers, women in wheelchairs no longer have to feel that they can't use up-to-date, fashionable clothing which looks and feels good.

Beauty and Women In Wheelchairs

Today, disabled persons, particularly women in wheelchairs, have begun to destroy this stigmatized perception with amazing accomplishments like the Ms. American Wheelchair.

Once, society viewed disabled people as dependent, unable to contribute to society. This has changed and today, disabled persons, particularly women in wheelchairs, have begun to destroy this stigmatized perception with amazing accomplishments. Furthermore, manufacturers have began to develop designer chairs to cater for women.

Only in 2007 designers from New York held a fashion show specifically directed to display wheelchairs. The fashion show was hosted by four women who founded the "Discovery For Design", a non-profit organization dedicated to women who rely on wheelchairs. One of these women, Marilyn Hamilton, is the co-inventor of the Quickie wheelchair. The other three were sports, arts, and business dynamos who experienced traumatic injuries and landed in wheelchairs.


This fashion show was dedicated not only to stylish wheelchairs, but also to fashionably designed clothing ensembles specifically created to flatter women who spend a significant amount of time in wheelchairs. The runway Models were four women selected from across the country who had become disabled.

First of these fascinating women, Jenny Smith, experienced an accident while practicing gymnastics. Her spinal cord injury, which occurred 17 years ago, since this she has driven, graduated college with a Master's Degree, or working for the Mobility Project.

The second is, Melissa Holley was working her way through college when an auto accident resulted in her spinal cord injury and campaigned to bring an experimental spinal cord treatment procedure to the United States. She has not allowed her wheelchair to disable her life.

Michele Boardman the third, is a young woman diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. She was confined to a wheelchair by age 12. Despite this, she attended college, she was one of nine youths throughout the world honored by the Yes I Can! Foundation in 2004.

The fourth model, Rosemary Rosetti, is a successful woman whose life was detoured by the falling of a huge tree that crushed her spinal cord during a bicycle ride. After her recovery, she began to travel the world discussing her journey in living life actively in a wheelchair. She has published a book on this topic, and wasa previous Ms. Wheelchair America.

These women are a tribute to the amazing strength and beautiful journey of which women in wheelchairs are capable. Their story is truly an inspiration to us all.

Quickie GTX Swingaway Wheelchair

GTX Swingaway

The latest star of legendary Quickie Ultralight wheelchiars, Its a manual wheelchair called the Quickie GTX.

A hi-Performance UltraLight folding wheelchair with Swing-Away features Swing-In/Swing-Out footrests. The Quickie GTX boasts a revolutionary folding frame design that creates an extremely low weight folding chair with a rigid-chair feel.

For the users who are looking for low-weight, hi-performance, and convenience of a folding wheelchair, Quickie GTX is the ticket.


Some Features of The Quickie GTX
• 28° of backrest angle adjustment.
• The only fold-down backrest on the market
• One of the widest selections of seat widths and depths in the industry
• Three different types of tension-adjustable backrest upholstery available

Click here for more information on Wheelchair Reviews or Quickie Wheelchairs

Women In Wheelchairs Going Places

Women in wheelchairs are going places that they would never of before the invention of the Wheelchair. People get used to great ideas and inventions, and they forget how great they really can be. Women in wheelchairs now get around because someone many years ago thought of a great way to provide mobility to those injured or sick. Women in wheelchairs might have been injured in an accident, or they might have a disease such as diabetes. Women in wheelchairs might be in a device with a motor or one that is moved manually by the occupant, but these ladies get around quite well now.

These women can get around their own homes although before this great invention they might have been restricted to their beds, but now can lead a normal life. These women in wheelchairs have been given a great deal of independence that they did not have before. These ladies might have to depend on someone completely if they wanted to get from the bedroom to their own kitchen. The lack of independence can be very demoralizing and no one wants to depend on others.

Women In Wheelchairs Get Around The Town And The World


Women in wheelchairs have increased the mobility of women outside the home and they can freely move around town, Town councils are adding more barrier free access to allow wheelchairs have increased the mobility. Women in wheelchairs can be spotted in the grocery store choosing their items on their own. Years before a disabled woman would have to burden someone else with their grocery shopping. Often their children or friends might have to go to the store for them.

Women get to malls and theaters in their wheelchairs. They get to go to a baseball game if that is something that they enjoy.

Women In Wheelchairs

When we think of Women in Wheelchairs or even any person in a wheelchair we think of them sad, unhappy and not enjoying life, then we come across get things like the Ms. Wheelchair America 2009 which was recently crowned on 26th July, to a Michelle Colvard from Houston, Texas.

She is the current Ms. Wheelchair Texas 2008 and was duely crowned Ms.America 2009, at the Hilton Hotel in Maryland. The crowning coniside with the 18th anniversary of the signing of the American with Dsabilities Act.

cimg0987 200x300 Women In Wheelchairs



Read Michelle profile for more pictures....

For more information on this event click on the offical website for Ms Wheelchair America

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