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Were you a big fan of playing sports before your SCI? Do the benefits that come from activity-based therapy centers encourage you to seek out more sports-related ways to get exercise? Regardless of why you are looking for sports to play from your wheelchair, you will be happy to know that many popular sports now have adaptive versions for people living with paraplegia. In fact, you can enjoy many popular favorites, like tennis, basketball, or even skiing!
However, these are not the only hobbies you may enjoy or want to learn. Here are some other exciting adaptive sports that you may be able to get into.
Paddleboarding is an excellent way to enjoy a calm day on a lake or pond. A simple adaption to the paddleboard allows for the fastening of a wheelchair to the board itself. This ensures that you will not roll off into the water. There is also a sort of wing on either side of the board to make it impossible to tip over. The board design lets you paddle and enjoy a nice day on the water easily.
However, the board’s stability and design also make it possible to have a partner on the board with you to assist with paddling. In this way, just about anyone can enjoy a relaxing day on the lake with a loved one. It is called the Trident Adaptive Paddle Board.
If you have never heard of Pickleball, this is a racquet sport developed in the Pacific Northwest USA. Official rules exist on the USA Pickleball website that allow wheelchair players to play against standing players. That makes this a great sport for someone living with paraplegia who is looking for a sport to play with a buddy. Maybe you enjoyed sports together before your injury but haven’t been able to find something where you can experience the same friendly competition. Adaptive Pickleball may be just what the two of you have been searching for!
Basically, the rule that gives a paraplegic player enough time to get to the ball is the two-bounce rule. You get a second bounce before you have to return the ball. However, the second bounce doesn’t have to stay on the court, keeping things fair for the standing player. This, along with a few other simple rules, creates a competitive racquet sport that doesn’t require you to find a partner to play against who is also using a wheelchair.
Fighting sports are very popular. Boxing is one of the oldest sports that man came up with. In modern times, we see everything from martial arts competitions to ultimate fighting competitions where almost anything goes. If combative sports are your personal cup of tea, then wheelchair boxing may be for you. The official rules are similar to amateur boxing rules for Olympic boxers. Although the sport has not yet made it to the Paralympics, competitors are hopeful that it could make the games as soon as 2024. While wheelchair boxing began in the UK, it is now starting to grow in popularity in the US.
An adaptive board can help you to hit the slopes and carve your way down the mountain. The secret is in using handlebars to help you precisely control the toe and heel side of your board. The system’s design allows it to function in either direction, so you can ride regular or goofy (snowboarders know what we mean). Plus, the frame and bars can mount to any ordinary snowboard, so if you were already a snowboarder before your SCI, you don’t even need a new snowboard. All you need are the adaptive snowboard attachments from Prodaptive.
The USGA has a complete set of rules for golfers requiring wheelchairs. You should be able to show up at almost any golf course and be accommodated. However, it is still a good idea to call in advance to make sure the local course is compliant and safe for use from a wheelchair. You can wheel yourself around the course with clubs in tow. Or if you go with some buddies, they can take the clubs for you in their cart. A really cool invention is a single-rider golf cart that has room for both you and the chair.
There are also special motorized carts that help you have a more natural “stance” when you are taking your swing so that you don’t have to modify the way you play as much. They basically prop you up, while keeping you harnessed in for safety. Before you buy one, see if any local golf courses have this type of modified cart available for rent. You only need to get one if there are none nearby or if you want to play specific courses that do not have them available.
Supplement the exercise you get at activity-based therapy centers with some of the sports ideas in our article. During your downtime, you can also read our essential eBook: 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to Thrive after Paralysis. Your life may never be precisely the same as it was, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. This book will help you take control and turn your new challenges into ones you can accept and conquer!
Grab our free e-book 7 Unbelievably Important Steps to Take to THRIVE after Paralysis by clicking the image below.
