Hi. I'm new to the board and just wanted to introduce myself. I have spastic CP and use a wheelchair and occasionally crutches. In addition, I have a brain injury. I'm curious if anyone here uses power-assisted wheels? I'm getting them soon and am a bit unsure of what to expect. Also, does anyone here play sports?? I LOVE quad rugby and skiing.
Thanks
Erica :)

Welcome, Erica!

That's so cool that you play quad rugby. I saw Murderball and now I'm in love with it! I'd love to play, but I don't think I can because I walk. What team are you on?
My friend is getting e-motion wheels soon. I'll ask her about them for you :)

hey Erica,

I'm new here too. I ski on a bi-ski. I love it!!! Where do you ski??? I live in MI and people come here once a year from MN. I had a friend who had powered wheels and all he did was push them and they would propell him farther than with just him pushing. I hope they work for you!

Becca

hi i'm new to. i have just found out my little boy has mild c p. is there n tips on how to cope with it.
thanks claire

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome!!!
Erica :)
JellyRJFan-
I'm hoping to start practice with the harlequinns (sp?) next weekend.
Becca-
Thanks for the info about the wheels. I use a monoski and ski at Winter Park in Colorado.
Claire.
Volunteering has been invaluable. My experiences with this have helped by showing me what I am truly passionate about. Connecting with others who have physical disabilities has also been really beneficial. I hope this helps.

Welcome aboard ladies!

It's nice to hear that we have some more avid skiiers here! I run a ski club for disabled adults in Ontario, Canada. I've been an avid 4 tracker since the age of 10 and I've loved it ever since my early days.

I use a monoski and ski at Winter Park in Colorado.

Erica,

How do you find balancing on a monoski? Some folks with CP prefer the bi-ski over the mono due to lack of balance. I don't have any experience with either.. I've been meaning to trade in my outriggers for a day to experience sit skiing... I'll no doubt be put to shame by the other sit skiiers though.. I've been very impressed with what they can do. I've seen folks in sit skis who can finesse their way through the mogals with pure ease.. I have trouble actually getting through them - never mind looking good!


Although it's gotten smaller over the years, I've heard some good things about the adaptive ski program at Winter Park... How many years have you skiied at Winter Park.. I'm jealous of you folks who get to ski the rockies regularly. :)

FS

Freestyles-
Thanks for replying! :) I've skied since I was 8, 4 tracking from then to the age of 14. I've attempted the monoski for the past 3 seasons. I like it a lot, though I struggle most with balance and confidence. Many have encouraged me to switch to the bi-ski...but I find the monoski to be a greater challenge which allows me more independence. I really like the adaptive sports programs at Winter Park. If you want more information, you can visit thier website. http://www.nscd.org.
Have a good day!! :)
Erica

Freestyles-
Thanks for replying! I've skied since I was 8, 4 tracking from then to the age of 14. I've attempted the monoski for the past 3 seasons. I like it a lot, though I struggle most with balance and confidence. Many have encouraged me to switch to the bi-ski...but I find the monoski to be a greater challenge which allows me more independence.

For me the biggest challenge to becoming an independent 4 tracker was being able to get up after falling over. :) It wasn't until years after I started and became pretty good that I put a lot of emphysis on becoming independent on the hill.. The other incentive was that I got the boot out of the one-to-one instructor to student program when I turned 19... Like I said before, kids get all the perks. :)

I've since joined a smaller scale program that caters to adults and became actively involved in the program's operations. This lead me (by default I think :)) to become the chairperson for our program.

I focus some of my efforts now on teaching 4 tracking and I find that like you said, the 'confidence factor' is one of the biggest elements to overcome.. But this applies for everyone. The other big thing was learning how to get back on my feet with my skiis on... It took me many hours and failed attempts (pretty exhausting at times) to figure out a way.. It's not something I can teach effectively since everyone's situation and strengths are unique. I use a lot of upper body strength where as someone else is able to use more of the muscles in their lower body to achieve the same thing. This principal applies to the mechanics of skiing as well. The majority is learned through trial and error... I was never a huge fan of AB instructors telling me what I was and wasn't doing right.. Sure the feedback is helpful but you can't beat what you learn by doing.

I recommend that you stick to what you enjoy.. If you prefer the monoski over the biski, keep at it! If you find that at some point you like to switch to the biski then go for it... It can helpful to experience both so you can make better decide what you'd like to practice and pursue.... I don't know about you but I can't wait for the snow to fly. :)

FS

FS and others, do you have any exercise/training tips for those who would like to try monoski for the first time this winter?

Thanks a lot,

Kat

FS-
Thanks for the reply....it was helpful!! :)
Kat-
First I would suggest...if you go to physical therapy...try asking your therapist about what you can do to prepare yourself for ski season...he/she will probably have lots of good ideas. The most helpful exercises for me have been when I'm balancing on one of those big balls used in a therapy gym.
Hope this helps.

Also, I have the power-assist wheels! I really like them so far! :)

Erica :)

Erica, thanks for your reply! I don't go to physical therapy but I have the big ball at home and use it a lot.

Kat