Adaptive sports have the incredible ability to break down barriers and open up opportunities for people with disabilities to engage in physical activity. There can be many reasons that a person with a disability might find it difficult or daunting to get started with adaptive sports. There is fear of the unknown, cost, transportation, and lots of personal reasons. Adaptive organizations like Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation are able to remove some of those reasons. One key element that we provide to make it easier to access these sports is specialized equipment tailored to the needs of each individual. For anyone new to adaptive sports, understanding the equipment is a crucial first step in exploring the wide world of possibilities.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll take you through some of the most commonly used adaptive sports equipment, explain how it works, and highlight how it enables athletes of all abilities to excel in their chosen sport.
1. Bi-Skis and Mono-Skis: For Adaptive Skiing
What It Is:
Bi-skis and mono-skis are used in adaptive alpine skiing, allowing individuals with lower-body impairments to enjoy the thrill of skiing.
Cost: $6,000-$13,000
How It Works:
- Bi-Ski: The Bi-ski consists of a molded seat attached to two skis, offering greater stability for beginners.The skis articulate like an ankle in a ski boot. Handheld outriggers, which are short ski poles with small skis on the end, are used to steer and balance. The user may also be tethered from behind to allow another person to aid in steering and stopping.
- Mono-Ski: For more experienced athletes, the mono-ski uses a single ski with a seat attached and a shock absorbing system, providing more maneuverability. The athlete uses their body weight and balance to control direction and speed, along with the outriggers.
Who It’s For:
Individuals with lower-limb disabilities, such as spinal cord injuries or leg amputations, as well as those with balance or coordination challenges.
2. Handcycles and Recumbent Cycles: For Adaptive Cycling
Cost: $4,000-$30,000
What It Is:
Handcycles are a type of bike powered by the rider’s arms rather than their legs, making them perfect for athletes with lower-limb impairments. Recumbent cycles enable the user to sit in a more comfortable and stable position and use their legs to pedal.
How It Works:
- The rider sits in a reclined, prone, or upright position, depending on the model. The hand pedals are located in front of the athlete, allowing them to propel the cycle forward by using their upper body strength.
- Handcycles are designed with three wheels in either a delta formation meaning one wheel in front and two wheels in back or a tadpole formation meaning two wheels in front and one in the back.
- They come in on road or offroad versions.
- E-assist is also available from various companies. This allows riders to travel longer and also have an assist when the terrain may be too difficult for them.
- Recumbent cycles allow a user who may have difficulty walking but is still able to use their legs to pedal the cycle.
Who It’s For:
Individuals with paraplegia, amputations, or other lower-body limitations who want to experience the freedom and speed of cycling. Users with difficulty walking also.
3. All-Terrain Wheelchairs: For Hiking and Outdoor Activities
What It Is:
All-terrain wheelchairs are designed to tackle rugged landscapes, giving individuals with mobility impairments access to hiking trails, beaches, and other outdoor areas.
Cost: $5,000-$40,000
How It Works:
- These wheelchairs feature large, sturdy tires, enhanced suspension, and a durable frame that can handle uneven terrain like dirt, rocks, and sand. They may even have tracks like a tank.
- Some models are manual, while others are powered, giving athletes a choice depending on their physical capabilities and the type of terrain they plan to explore.
Who It’s For:
Individuals who use wheelchairs in everyday life but want the ability to participate in hiking, trail riding, and other outdoor adventures.
4. Racing Wheelchairs: For Adaptive Track and Road Racing
What It Is:
Racing wheelchairs are lightweight and aerodynamic wheelchairs built for speed, used in track and road races such as marathons.
Cost: $4,000-$10,000
How It Works:
- Racing wheelchairs typically have three wheels—two large ones in the rear and one smaller one in the front. The design allows for smooth, fast motion over long distances.
- The athlete uses hand-pushed wheels to propel the chair forward and employs a special glove to grip or punch the push rims efficiently with a rubber pad on the knuckle area..
Who It’s For:
Athletes with lower-limb impairments who want to compete in long-distance running events or wheelchair racing competitions.
5. Adaptive Paddling Equipment: For Kayaking and Canoeing
What It Is:
Adaptive paddling equipment makes kayaking and canoeing accessible to individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities by modifying the paddles or seating arrangements.
Cost: Beyond the mainstream kayak or canoe gear up to an extra $1000 of equipment may be needed.
How It Works:
- Paddle Adaptations: Paddles can be modified with hand grips, or with tethering systems that allow the athlete to secure the paddle to their hands if grip strength is limited. They may also have a mounting system with a bend in the center to allow for more efficient paddling.
- Seating Systems: Adaptive kayaks and canoes may include custom seating supports or balance aids to help the paddler stay upright and stable in the boat.
- Outriggers: Outriggers may also be added to the sides of a kayak or canoe for more stability.
Who It’s For:
Individuals with upper-body or core strength limitations, as well as those who may need extra balance support on the water.
6. Court Sports Chairs: For Court Sports Such As Tennis and Basketball
What It Is:
A wheelchair with angled wheels for faster, more precise maneuvering. They may also feature an angled seat base to make the user more stable. There can also be bumpers and other frame modifications for various sports.
Cost: $1,000-$5,000
How It Works:
- The sports chair has angled wheels for quick and stable maneuvering as well as an angled seat base for holding basketballs and stability for the user.
- Sports chairs come in many different varieties for various sports such as tennis, basketball, rugby, pickleball, hockey, and soccer.
Who It’s For:
Individuals with paraplegia, amputations, or other lower-body limitations who want to compete in court sports.
7. Tandem Bikes: For Cycling with Visual Impairments or Stability Needs
What It Is:
Tandem bikes are built for two riders and are often used in adaptive cycling for individuals with visual impairments. One rider is sighted (the “pilot”), and the other is visually impaired (the “stoker”).
Cost: $300-$1,000
How It Works:
- The pilot steers, pedals, and controls the bike, while the stoker pedals from the back seat. Together, they work as a team to ride efficiently and enjoy the thrill of cycling.
- Tandem bikes come in road, mountain, and recreational styles, depending on the type of terrain.
Who It’s For:
Athletes who are blind or have low vision, but want to experience the excitement of cycling with the guidance of a partner. Athletes who may have issues with stability may also benefit from a tandem bike.
Conclusion
While this is not a complete list of all the adaptive sports options available, these are the more common options, Adaptive sports equipment is designed to provide athletes with the tools they need to overcome physical challenges and participate in sports they love. Whether you’re interested in skiing, kayaking, cycling, or team sports, there’s an adaptive solution to help you get started and excel. With the right equipment, athletes of all abilities can experience the joys of competition, adventure, and the great outdoors.
If you’re new to adaptive sports, consider reaching out to local programs like Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation for guidance on how to get started. There’s a world of possibilities waiting for you!