special guest

[Jim Kolstoe]

My daughter asked me about taking paraplegic friend of hers out sailing. I'm always happy to introduce people to sailing, but I'm concerned how to ensure that he has a safe and enjoyable experience. Information is that he is paralyzed along a line from his lower ribs on one side to just above his hip on the opposite side. I have a Hunter 23, which has a roomy cockpit, with the sides sloped back (as opposed to 90 degrees to the seating) and the cabin end also inclined at a comfortable angle, so people can sit facing across or facing back. I assume that he should have a life jacket from the moment his comes on the dock until he's back on shore, but beyond that, any ideas, information or suggestions are welcome.

Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo

 

[sinnettc]

Jim,

Did you cross post on the Fern Ridge yahoo group? If I recall there's a quadriplegic sailor who's boat is (was?) on A dock - he, or his EYC/TYC friends may have some experience/ideas.

I don't recall what your rail setup is on Kara's Boo but you might consider running an extra "life line" along the deck, between the stanchions on either side of the cockpit. to provide some extra grab options.

If he needs to be "belted" in you could also use those lines as an attachment point for a harness. If you don't have one let me know - I just picked up a couple and I'd be happy to loan you one.

If your fiberglass isn't textured or too oxidized you could try a couple of suction cup grab bars. My daughter gave me a couple when we had the Capri 16.5 and they actually do hold pretty well, though I never used them on the boat.

http://www.activeforever.com/p-2323-economy-suction-cup-grab-bar.aspx is what I'm talking about. Standard disclaimer: I don't know anything about this company or brand.

Do you have toe rails on the edges of your seats to hold cushions in place? I wonder if you could do something with some shaped foam to help him keep from sliding off the seat.

Final idea - I presume the biggest issue will be possible sliding if you heel too much. I wonder if a couple pieces of that rubbery waffle patterned non-skid rug/shelf liner stuff would work? http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/productdetails.aspx?sku=6124101 I've got some (black) up in the v-berth to keep things from sliding around and it seems to do the job. Again, with a bit of notice so I could run down from Albany I'd be happy to loan you a couple of pieces.

See you on the lake.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

I've done that. She had the time of her life. She was at the helm most of the day.

We didn't do anything different from other guests. She found it easy to get around the cockpit because of all the grab holds.

 

[woodster]

Mind Over Matter

I've done that. She had the time of her life. She was at the helm most of the day.

We didn't do anything different from other guests. She found it easy to get around the cockpit because of all the grab holds.

ever notice how people with less than 100% ability enjoy things more than people with 100% ability seems to me less is more... go for it.....i suspect you will have the time of your life as well....

regards

woody

 

[Ed Schenck]

Your major challenge with a paraplegic will be the "transfer". Do not underestimate the work and risk involved getting the person from, I assume, a wheelchair onto the boat and back. Absolutely the PFD has to go on before you get on the dock. Then the lifelines will have to come down. You will need the boat very well secured and close to the dock. And you will need at least two very strong adults. I have seen a harness on the boom end used for just such a transfer. Sorry if I am preaching to the choir. Do not want to tell you how I know.

 

[RECESS]

I would contact these people. CRAB

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating[/FONT]


They not only get paraplegics out sailing but teach them to sail and race. I am sure they can give you great advise on where to begin. If she enjoys the trip you may want to have her take a look at the website. You may be offering her a source of freedom.

If you watch the slide show on the site it shows an easy way to transfer a paraplegic from the dock to the cockpit.

 

[Ross]

You must explain the the passenger the risks and hazards and then ask how will be the best way to make it happen. This friend has been dealing with the problem of getting aroiund for a long time and knows what she/he can and can't do and when and where help is needed.
I once watched a man who was a double leg amputee above the knees. He was as agile as a gymnast. Drove himself around in a pick up truck and had hand holds in the cab to enable him to move quickly and smoothly while getting in and out of the truck.

 

[kenn]

Depending on how long the friend has lived with their condition, they may already have a good idea of what special accomodations may be necessary, especially for entering/leaving the boat (and in a dignified, respectful way, of course).

Otherwise, if there's any uncertainty, it would be best if a handicapped-sailing group was consulted, or, at a minimum, have some strong friends available if assistance is required.

Our club has a few mobility-challenged sailors. Once on the boat, they are often on a par with other sailors.

 

[John]

There is a Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors. Their web site is: http://www.baads.org/ You may want to pose your question there.

 

[Jim Kolstoe]

Thanks guys, I'll follow up on your suggestions. Saying no because of the friend's limitations was never an option in my mind. I just want to make it a good, safe, experience for my daughters' friend. Chris, that black powerboat next to mine on A dock is owned by a gentleman who uses a wheelchair, although he seems to have some limited use of his legs. But I only see him a few times a season, so I can't count on being able to ask him. I don't know anyone sailing with significant mobility limitations. I may take you up on your offer for the loan of equipment once I know more.
Again, thanks everyone.

Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo

 

[sinnettc]

Jim,

Tried sending an email via the site here. Let me if you don't get it.

Chris

 

[Pegleg Sailor]

Don't forget to ASK the para too. They will have thoughts on how to get around in tight spots.

They may have a chair seat (like thick waffle pad) they sit on and will that with them. Also, have some sort of safety line/belt available if they want. If he (she?) has limited ab muscles this will be important. Grab bars/handholds are important so point them out before you leave the dock. Transfer from/to the wheelchair is critical, especially if the person is weak and/or heavy. Hoist using the boom is good, a couple of strong friends is good, and scooting with some help is find IF the deck is clear and they can't injure themselves on blocks or stuff mounted on the deck.

Bring plenty of water and remind the para to bring appropriate clothes! Sometimes paras/quads loose the ability to regulate body temperature so they can get cold or over heated more quickly than others.

Mostly, have fun!! I sail with and teach disabled sailors - many are out for the first time in their lives and it can be an incredible experience of freedom. Mostly, of course, just use common sense and pay attention. It'll be a blast.

Google search on disabled sailing and you will find lots of resources. But, in addition to what's already posted; www.challengedamerica.org, www.shakealegmiami.org, and checkout the USSailing.org's disabled / Paralympic pages.

Have fun!!!

 

[Sailm8]

I have a friend who is chair bound but has upper body strength that is unbelievable. I have seen him drag himself in his chair up 2 fights of stairs to a party that featured free beer and easy women. It's all in the motivation. If there is one thing I learned from him it was that he solved the problem if I gave him a clear picture of the obstacles.

He got on my Cal 27 by grabbing the boom swung out over the dock, and hand over hand into the cockpit.

 

[Tim Jedda 22]

These guys have been doing great work with disabled sailors for many a year now, including the sydney to hobart each year. Recently released a documentary about training a crew for last years race. They also won their division in the '98 S2H - which saw 6 sailors die and numerous yachts sunk and withdraw.

http://www.sailorswithdisabilities.com/

Not really going to help with what you asked - but in the same ball park.