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Most of us believe that nature can bring people together. And outdoor guides and instructors are continually looking for ways to help people transcend barriers so everyone feels welcome and can be invited to participate in outdoor adventures. Yet for people with limited mobility or who use a wheelchair, outdoor adventures can seem unattainable. That’s where outdoor adaptive experiences come in.
Adaptive experiences are (in the broad sense) outdoor activities designed by professionals to help people who face physical challenges have access to activities. Those physical challenges may prevent them from participating in an outdoor activity like people traditionally participate.
To help outdoor activities become more accessible for people, professionals adapt the activity and often use special equipment — envision adventures such as adaptive scuba diving and skiing. Instructors are trained on the unique adaptive way of facilitating the activity.
Cory Lee is an inspirational travel blogger who shares his experiences as a disabled traveler to help encourage others to get outside.
“At the age of two I was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (type w),” wrote Lee on his website curbfreewithcorylee.com. He received his first power wheelchair at the age of 4 and used it to explore Walt Disney World. Since college, Lee has traveled to places throughout Europe, Australia, and Africa. And Lee enjoys participating in adaptive outdoor adventures.
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Over the years, he’s taken part in adventurous activities he never imagined he’d be able to do.
“I went rock climbing in Utah, hot air ballooning over Israel, and even waterskiing in Tennessee,” Lee wrote in a travel blog post titled My awesomely adaptive sailing adventure in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He added, “They all exceeded my expectations and after completing them I thought ‘If I can do this, I can do anything.’”
Here are five adaptive adventures to add to your bucket list:
Adaptive Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree National Park, U.S.
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Joshua Tree National Park, with its surreal landscapes and iconic rock formations, offers the ideal backdrop for adaptive rock climbing. Adaptive enthusiasts can conquer the vertical world with the assistance of specialized equipment and expert guides. The challenging granite walls of Joshua Tree become a canvas for empowerment, where individuals with varying abilities ascend to new heights, both figuratively and literally.
Adaptive Sailing Anywhere in the World
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Adaptive sailing is a recreational water sport designed to accommodate individuals with physical disabilities. This activity opens up the world of sailing to people who might face mobility challenges, providing a sense of freedom, independence, and the thrill of navigating the open waters.
The adaptive sailing experience is often facilitated through specially designed boats, equipment, and support systems tailored to the unique needs of participants.
In the United States, several organizations and sailing clubs offer adaptive sailing programs, making this empowering activity accessible across the country. Notable locations include Shake-A-Leg Miami in Florida, the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation in Chicago, and Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB) in Maryland.
Participating in adaptive sailing can be a transformative experience for individuals with disabilities. The sport not only promotes physical activity but also fosters a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie. Sailing allows participants to connect with nature, build confidence, and develop valuable life skills such as teamwork and problem-solving. The adaptability of sailing equipment ensures that people of all abilities can enjoy the serenity of the open water, breaking barriers and creating opportunities for personal growth and recreation.
Adaptive Skiing in Whistler, Canada
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Whistler, renowned for its world-class skiing, opens its Canadian snowy slopes to adaptive skiing experiences. Adaptive skiing, tailored for individuals with mobility challenges, uses specialized equipment such as sit-skis and outriggers. The crisp mountain air and powdery snow create an immersive environment where participants carve through the slopes, defying winter’s chill and embracing the thrill of downhill adventure.
Adaptive Scuba Diving in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
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The Great Barrier Reef, a masterpiece of marine biodiversity, beckons adaptive enthusiasts to explore the underwater world. Adaptive scuba diving programs cater to individuals with mobility impairments, providing a weightless experience beneath the waves. In the heart of the Coral Sea, participants discover a vibrant ecosystem, their movements unhindered by physical constraints. The Great Barrier Reef becomes a realm of aquatic wonder accessible to all who seek its depths.
Adaptive Paragliding in Switzerland
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Switzerland, known for its stunning alpine landscapes, offers a unique adaptive adventure in the skies above Interlaken. Paragliding, often associated with the rush of wind and the freedom of flight, becomes an inclusive experience with specially designed harnesses. As individuals soar above the Swiss Alps, the breathtaking scenery unfolds beneath them. Adaptive paragliding can be a celebration of overcoming barriers against a backdrop of unparalleled natural beauty.
Suzanne Downing is an outdoor writer and photographer in Montana with an environmental science journalism background. Her work can be found in Outdoors Unlimited, Bugle Magazine, Missoulian, Byline Magazine, Communique, MTPR online, UM Native News, National Wildlife Federation campaigns and more.
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