Disabilities no limit for adaptive water skiers

By Justin Sibbet - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on July 20, 2024.

SkiAbility photo by Blair Takahashi - Two volunteers help a program participant enjoy the fun of water skiing during a sunny day on the water earlier this month. Water Ski and Wake Alberta hosts their Splash Adaptive program to aid disabled people on their journey to water ski fun.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDjsibbet@lethbridgeherald.com

An Alberta organization is helping those with disabilities enjoy the water this summer during various clinics across the province.

Water Ski and Wake Alberta has been hosting its Splash Adaptive program since 2021, aiding disabled people on their journey to water ski fun.

Jason Beekman, a coach with SkiAbility, says this initiative ensures nobody is left behind.

“The whole idea is just removing boundaries for anyone with disabilities to have the opportunity to try water skiing.”

He says every time they offer a clinic, they get an “incredible turnout”. This is split between two versions of the clinic, 1.0 and 2.0.

“The whole idea of the 1.0 clinic is that it’s for people who have never tried (water skiing).”

Beekman says the 2.0 edition of their clinic is designed for returning skiers to enjoy the waters for multiple times.

He says it’s simply a good thing for people to try, no matter what challenges they may face through disability.

“If they’ve never done it before, it’s a really hands-on, once in a lifetime experience.”

“The whole aim is to hook everybody on water skiing, give them something they’ve never done before and help them fall in love with something we’ve all fallen in love with,” said Beekman.

Nicky Fuhrmann, a Water Ski and Wake Alberta board director, says people can expect safety and security when trying water skiing for the first time.

“We have an amazing group of volunteers down here (who) make it so the (participants) feel incredibly, incredibly safe,” said Fuhrmann. “It’s something new that they’re trying for the first time and they have to have complete faith in the people (who) are skiing with them.”

She says any participant can bring family or friends to enjoy the water as well during a hot summer day, noting the big crowds always give tip top reviews.

“Anybody that has been involved with us talks about what a great experience it is, whether they are a participant or volunteer,” said Fuhrmann. “We are just adapting something that we love to do and can be all inclusive to everybody. It just increases inclusivity of our world today and we’re very, very proud to be a part of it.”

Beekman says children and adults alike are welcome to join in on the fun. He also says volunteers are always welcome as well if they want to help make a difference in someone’s life.

“I just want to make mention that, without our countless, countless amounts of volunteers, none of this is possible,” said Beekman.

On Tuesday coming up, Water Ski and Wake Alberta is scheduled to host a Splash Adaptive 1.0 clinic out at Stafford Lake, just east of Coaldale. However, Beekman says they have “no boundaries”, so they allow returning folks to come as well. According to Fuhrmann, those wishing to attend do need to have a Water Ski and Wake Alberta membership, but otherwise all are welcome.

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