A girl in a wheel chair who wants to kitesurf

[pok17r]

Here are the links to her story. If you have any thoughts about a board feel free to let us know. Many heads make light work.

 

 

madness - Northern Ireland Kite Forum

 

 

http://vimeo.com/31867629

 

Thanks

Patrick

[ramjam52]

Firsrtly as a (kayak surfer) good luck and all the best. The race boards may be the way forward. steve.

[waterbaby]

Theres only one way to look at this if I lost the use of my legs I would not want to giv up the sport I lov so would do anything to get out on the water.there are loads of lads huw are on here huw work close to some of the big names huw make are stuff so get some emails sent and let's make it happen we spend loads with there's manufacts it's time to giv a bit back let's make it happen let's giv this girl her dream.

 

Please pm an email add for Jen so we can start the ball rolling there are some big names at my beach huw am sore could have a word with there sponses and get the ball rolling.

 

Can't wait to see the first vid!

[Chaos]

Links to main web pages are in this thread

 

http://forum.kitecrowd.com/kite-videos/wheelchair-kiting-st-neots-common-29-6kph-any-other-wheelies-out-there-197661.html

 

Hope it helps

[vibro100]

http://www.icelandinc-challenge.com

[T595]

What about modifying a scim board to take a fixed seat harness? I'll ask my local Slingshot rep if this is even possible.

 

Btw, is the girl disabled from the waist down or chest down. Just wondering as this may effect how she will handle the board on the water.

 

And the link above doesn't work.....

[g0nz01599968659]

I can kite along on the sector sitting down. I've seen (out in Boa Vista) a board rigged for kiting from a seated position. I'm totally sure this is possible, main thing as 595 pointed out would be adapting a board to suit her requirements re physical ability & comfort whilst sailing. Something that floats will be safer & something with some biggish fins will hold ground better without edging so hard.

 

Dan

[Maro]

There is currently the peter lynn kite cat, not kitesurfing but more like buggying on the water.

[T595]

Linky for the kite cat

 

Peter Lynn Kiteboarding Kitecat Kitesailing Kite Cat Catamaran 2008 Kitesurfing Boat Power Kites Kite Surf Safety Gear - Powerkiteshop UK Equipment

 

This looks rather cool too.

 

Link for a video too.

 

 

Having watched the video though, you need to steer with your feet so this might be another problem to overcome and get even more expensive.

Edited November 12, 2011 by T595

[jimmy6]

How about one of those kneeboard things that people learn on in the cable park? Might be an easy place to start.

[pok17r]

Hi all

Jen is disabled from the waist down. If you go through the thread called madness on the http://www.nikitefourm.com you will find all the information that you need about Jen. Knee boards would be no good because she can't lift her legs to get onto one. Jenny has explained to us, that when she is sitting, she is balancing on the base of her spine. So it is like us standing on one leg, give us a little push and we will fall in the direction we are pushed. So she has to be supported back, front and either side then she will be able to throw her weight around for edging etc

What we have been looking at is a seat cage that disabled water skiers use. We are looking for something simple that is easy to get in and out of and will come off in a wipeout. We have put this on to the kite forums to see what other people will come up with. So don't be afraid to throw your thoughts and ideas forward no matter how mad they may sound, we won't reject them. But hopefully at the end, we will end up with a usable safe board. Thank you, very much for all your ideas so far.

God bless

Patrick

[BlownAway]

pok17r,

the only thing i can think of is using a kite cat, by peterlynn or similar. Biggest problem being that on any type of board Jen wont have the appropriate righting reactions to make quick fine adjustments needed to maintain balance (this is coming from a physiotherapist's perspective)

 

With a kite cat, like a buggy, Jen'd be well supported, which will be necessary. Alternatively, a kayak (modified) may be advantageous as its a lot lighter. But Jen would have to be able to fully straighten her legs for this - which i know with some people isn't always possible.

 

We have a lot of contacts and would be keen to help if we can.... contact us directly if you wish.

 

Good luck and best regards

 

Matt

Edited November 14, 2011 by BlownAway

[pok17r]

Update from Yesterday at the beach. This is Jenny learning to body drag.

 

madness - Northern Ireland Kite Forum - Page 11

 

Tyrella kitesurfing Nov 13, 2011 | Facebook

[Jim O'Hara]

Red Sky Horizon has a Kite Cat. He'll probably see this, but if you need any info on them he is the man to talk to. Heck of nice guy as well.

[pok17r]

Video update on Jen

 

http://vimeo.com/32111455

 

http://www.nikiteforum.com/forum/ind..._200#entry7327

[bartiebat1599968741]

Probably already thought about but how do sit skis work? Maybe there's a way of building something based on that & getting lessons at a dome first?

[yugga]

looks interesting. upwind may not be possible though

 

Soul kite-like surfing board for disabled | Designlaunches

[yugga]

Kiteforum.com • View topic - Paraplegic and kitesurfing?

[bazllfixit]

Have you checked out handikite on youtube? they have their own site, Handikite with pics of prototype's. the site is in french which is a bit of a bummer though.

[balugh]

Some interesting stuff from the guys in St Neots. In a buggy I think it might be easier (more effective) to fit independent hand brakes to each of the rear wheels so that the rider can brake one side or the other without having to move her hand too far from the kite bar. I'm sure some of the mountain bike brakes would be more than up to the job... This would probably be easier for her to control than the extended handle on the front wheel. With 'brake steering' you might want to fix (or partly fix) the front wheel...but I think whether you'd do that would be trial and error.

 

In the water there's always a PL Kite Cat but they are £££! As with other solutions I think steering might be an issue because I think the cat is steered by the feet but, again, I'm sure a bit of thinking could produce a reasonably convenient hand steering mechanism.

[Chaos]

My word Jen you are brave, the Irish sea in November, burrrrr. hope you have a good wetsuit !

 

Good luck and fair winds.

 

Chaos

[pok17r]

Lads we are reading your posts. Sorry for not getting back sooner. I will put up a detailed post tomorrow and let you know what we have tryed so far. A BIG THANKS for all your posts and ideas.

God Bless

Patrick

[jscott1922]

What an inspiration,it really does take guts and determination this sport,good luck Jen keep it up.

[liberdy]

In Tarifa they are testing some kiteboarding boards, craft modified, for a boy like Jen. A hand made seat with a security leash. He has been able to kite for a time. There still are some problems. But the two peoble involved are really experienced ones in testing and designing kites and boards. It was really amazing and rewarding to see and helping them.

They are still testing the equipment and solutions.

[mkratty]

I remember seeing a sat down hydrofoil board that might be something to look at .Thinks its called the air chair . They seem to be very stable in the water which might help and you could prob adapt the seat to brace above the hips with a harness arrangement .

not too sure on the girls full ability to sit unaided but from what I've read she can sit but doesn't have full balance . So stability may be a issue ?

 

More info

http://www.hydrofoil.org/history.html

 

 

Check out this video on YouTube:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zon4Ydmbe_c&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Edited November 21, 2011 by mkratty