Active Chair Selection Tips http://www.draftwheelchairs.com/extreme

1. What do you fancy doing today?

How often are you told that you can't do something; wrapped in cotton wool and treated as a medical case? At Draft, we like to say yes and help you into your chosen or activity.

So, if you want to go bungee jumping or ice climbing, that's fine by us. We have customers who do both. Or maybe start simple with or hand- cycling? We can help with that, too.

Adaptive sport has come a long way from the tame 'healthy exercise and a good dose of fresh air, but be careful” rehab activitiesof the past. 2. So much to choose from:

Even if you don't need a wheelchair on a daily basis, whee chair and adap- tive can provide a vital element of activity, challenge and excitement. From racing to rugby, sled to skiing there is a wide range of equip- ment to help you get started within an activity.

A common problem that people have is not knowing what sport or activities they really want to get involved in now that their circumstances (and centre of gravity) have changed.

The team at Draft are ideally placed to discuss your activity requirements and help make suggetions and make equipment recommendations. Individual or team? For many the personal challenge of beating their previous time, getting out whatever the weather and being in control of their own development means that individual activities such as handcycling, para-triathlon, water skiing or wheelchair racingare most appealing.Alternatively many find that a team activity such as rugby, basketball or tennis provides not only the physical benefits but also offer a wide range of social benefits and interaction. Being part of a team is ulti- mately a great motivation to encourage ongoing participation and build new relationships.

Aggressive team sports and basketball are both a well-known amputee sports that provide a great opportunity for some full contact rough and tumble! As an alternative how about sledge hockey or wheelchair .

Fast and Wet Developments in adaptive equipment and technology now allow water and snow skiing to be experienced with all the thrills, speed and excitement of the able bodied sports. Wake- boarding, kite suring,land-yacht- ing,cross-country & downhill skiing are all easily accessible. Choosing the right equipment Selection of the equipment that suits your amputation is of paramount importance. Centre of gravity and balance are changed, controls need to be adapted. Here at Draft we have over 15 years of experience selling adaptive equipment, with a product knowledge to match. If we haven't seen something before, we can discuss your requirements, try out solutions and alter or make any required parts in our manufacturing workshop.

Your size and shape Most organised disability sports have classifications based on your ability. Some, such as sled hockey are completely open to anyone, with no classifi- cation.Some sports do have classification requirements.

For example, there is a requirement to have impaired hand function to play wheelchair rugby. However, in certain sports, you'll be at a distinct advan- tage. There's nothing better for your power-to-weight ratio than having no legs...

There is a useful self-assessment app at Parasport.org.uk. It only finds , though. There's a whole lot more unusual stuff out there. Talk to, and if possible visit, a specialist active user equipment supplier. It’s great to talk with enthusiastic people who understand your needs, can sug- gest ways of getting there, and won't constantly knock you back with “You can't do that!” 3. Try before you buy.

New to the sport? However much you might like the idea of a brand new sports chair or equipment, we won't try to sell a new product before you have tried a sport.

We can help find try-out days and taster sessions for many sports, and have links to many adaptive activities around the country.

By supporting adaptive sport, we support our business.

Many clubs and associations have pool chairs for lending out. We have a small stock of used and ex-demo chairs to borrow. It is also a great way to try out the sport and see if you are really interested without spending a lot of money. Even if you don't need a wheelchair on a daily basis, whee chair and adap- tive sports can provide a vital element of activity, challenge and excitement. From racing to rugby, sled hockey to skiing there is a wide range of equip- ment to help you get started within an activity.

A common problem that people have is not knowing what sport or activities they really want to get involved in now that their circumstances (and centre of gravity) have changed.

The team at Draft are ideally placed to discuss your activity requirements and help make suggetions and make equipment recommendations.

Managing the cost The cost of a sports wheelchair can be considerable. A small market and custom building by small companies can make the equipment expensive. As you add features or up the specification, guess what, the cost increases. Therefore you should plan ahead of time how much you are willing to spend. You should decide up front how much you plan to use the wheelchair and be realistic.

Second-hand equipment You should consider buying a used sports equipment in the first instance. It probably won’t be absolutely ideal or just right for you, but if you're starting in a sport or activity, you can't be sure of what you need. You might just get a great quality sports wheelchair at a considerably discounted price, but don't bank on it. However, you'll not lose much money when you sell it on, as long as you've not trashed it. Then, when you know that the sport is right for you, shop away.

When looking for a used sports wheelchair make sure you know the selling price of the wheelchair when it was purchased new. Unlike most suppliers, we publish prices and order forms on our website, so have a look around.

Be sure you don't pay too much for a used sports wheelchair. 50% off retail is a good starting point for a good condition chair. As with any 2nd hand pur- chase, the condition of any used wheelchair is a big consideration, as well as availability of spare parts etc. Check it out thoroughly for wear and tear, and then haggle.We are happy to help and advise, even if you're buying from another dealer or privately from another user. Often well-used equipment can still be revived with only a few parts and a good service. Funding from charitable sources Unfortunately there are no easy answers when it comes to funding for wheelchairs, especially for adults.

While some may have the funds to purchase equipment privately, many will need to look to charity fundraising for help. It is worth trying local sources: pubs, clubs, local charities, Rotary Clubs. We have a list of other national funding sources on this page at our website.

Alternatively, the most complete list of the charities and organisations that will give grants and funding can be found in a directory entitled ‘A guide to grants for individuals in need’ published by the Directory for Social Change. It's very pricey to buy, but your local Library or disability advice service may have a copy. 4. Don't forget the knock-on benefits

No doubt it was drummed into you during rehab that sport and activity are important to your overall well-being.Scientific research has been conducted across many disability groups that show how participation in sport and physi- cal activity leads to improved levels of physical and mental health and well-being. Keeping active makes the rest of your life easier (and hopefully longer, too).

In addition, sport and physical activity has been linked to clear improve- ments in self-confidence, social awareness and self-esteem and can contrib- ute to “empowerment of people with disabilities”, apparently. Basically, you'll also feel better about yourself and others.People choose to participate in sport for many reasons. Whatever your motivation is, there are a number of things that you need to consider and plan forin order to achieve your objectives. Easy does it It’s much better to set small, manageable goals and build slowly to your ideal objective, like training three times a week for the next four weeks, or being able to complete a mile in less than a set number of minutes.

Don't beat yourself up, it only makes things worse Remember is to keep your objectives realistic, including the timescales you give yourself to achieve them. For example, if you haven’t done much exer- cise before, or perhaps not for a long time, planning to complete a mara- thon in just a few weeks time is likely to lead to burn out or injury through over training or disappointment when you fail to achieve this.

Keep track to appreciate your progress: The sense of achievement you gain at reaching each milestone will give you further motivation to continue training and progress to the next one.

Stick at it: The commitment you are making to sport and to training is likely to be a long-term one and a change in lifestyle. Remember, there will be obstacles along the way, but the sense of reward and achievement will only be enhanced as you overcome them. Stay focused, don’t be afraid to ask for help and support and if you’re not enjoying it, try something different. The fact that you are reading this means that you’ve overcome your first hurdle, making the decision to get active. Congratulations! Now let us help you plan the route you want to take. 5. Be inspired.

Even if you have never climbed a mountain or dived a coral reef, take inspi- ration from those who have. Remember them when that little voice in your head says “Why not?”

Do you want to get back into an activity which you did before, or maybe the sport which injured you? Some people prefer to make a complete change and pursue something completely different.

Disability might often be a challenge, but it needn't be an insurmountable barrier.

Draft Wheelchairs Ltd Units 5 & 6, Roman Way Small Business Park, London Road, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, PE29 2LN, UK

Email: [email protected] Showroom Opening Hours: Telephone: 00 44 (0)1480 451247 Monday-Friday 9.00 to 5.00 http://www.draftwheelchairs.com/ Other times by appointment.