Adaptive Snowboard, Reinvented

[Nick]

Pretty cool clip here -->

http://snowboarding.transworld.net/...third-thursday-adaptive-snowboard-reinvented/

 

[ALLSKIING]

Very cool!

 

[Bene288]

Cool vid, Nick. I don't think the wheels are the best way to go. I think fixed out riggers with some serious suspension would work better.

This kind of hits home for me. My best friend doesn't have the use of his legs. He has trained with the USA mono ski team and has been scouted for the Olympic sledge hockey team as well. I just saw him a few days ago, and every time we talk about skiing his face lights right up just like the rest of us. I'm really glad it is becoming easier for people like him and the guy in this video to get on the slopes.

 

[Huck_It_Baby]

I don't think the wheels are the best way to go. I think fixed out riggers with some serious suspension would work better.

I agree! Wheels seem like a poor choice for snow but it seemed to work on a groomer at least. If the snow gets too soft I think it would be more difficult.

It's great to see people in the community help those less fortunate and giving them the opportunity to enjoy the snow again. I'm hoping to volunteer this winter in the Vermont Adaptive sports program.

If anyone else is interested check it out:

http://www.vermontadaptive.org/

 

[Bene288]

I agree! Wheels seem like a poor choice for snow but it seemed to work on a groomer at least. If the snow gets too soft I think it would be more difficult.

It seems like the rider could easily get his hands or at least fingers caught up in the spokes. If they want to use wheels they need to at least be a lot smaller. A snowboard is pretty much a giant mono-ski. A gyroscopic seat system might give them enough sway to steer the thing. Who knows how you could incorporate that on a snowboard though. I understand they want to give the rider more of a snowboard feel. But that could be achieved without wheels. A low side cut for short, sharp turns would be a good idea as well.

I agree with the builder though, he needs some serious work on his welds. The thing looks like it wants to fold up like a lawn chair.

 

[Huck_It_Baby]

A gyroscopic seat system might give them enough sway to steer the thing. Who knows how you could incorporate that on a snowboard though.

I like the idea and think it's possible.

Check this video out. Motorcycle with gyroscopic stabilization. I could see how this could be translated into an adaptive ski or snowboard unit.

http://www.smartplanet.com/video/li...otorcycle/6294274?tag=content;roto-fd-feature

 

[SIKSKIER]

I'm not buying this one.We already have mono snowboards out there.They ride and carve much more like a conventional snowboard if you have use of your arms.
Here's a site that features many different types of adaptive ski equipment.http://www.spokesnmotion.com/catalog/category.asp?category_id=100