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Many like to think that quadriplegics who’re paralyzed from the neck down can only paint with their mouths or watch movies for fun, you know…basic things, but boy are they mistaken.
Technology, from electricity to combustible engines, have opened up a whole new world to people with this high-injuries, and it just keeps getting better. We’re talking sidecars on motorcycles, stunt kites and lots more. Nope – these guys don’t take life sitting down.
Get ready to be amazed by three videos we’ve specially chosen, showcasing rare and amazing hobbies of high-level quadriplegics.
Video #1: Quad uses footplate to beat his old man at bowling
In this high-tempo video made by Sean Kelly, a C2-4 quadriplegic with no movement below the shoulders, he shows his own way of bowling, and it’s not with any ramp. He expertly uses his footplate to push a bowling ball down the alley, and he does it with some impressive force.
The video shows him and his dad bowling, with Sean coming out on top. It’s quite awesome to see how many strikes Sean gets too. A former dirt bike racer injured years ago as a teenager, this now 30-something man is still a formidable competitor.
Watch: High level quadriplegic beats the old man bowling
Video #2: Quad flies stunt kites in Mission Bay, San Diego
Flight is another area high-level quadriplegics are taking advantage of. Randy Haims, a C2 level quadriplegic from San Diego, California, is an avid stunt kite aficionado. Stunt kites go all over the sky at high speeds, and he flies them a lot, as well as crashes and repairs them a lot too.
In this video, at Kite Park in Mission Bay, Randy shows how he uses his chin controller to fly these incredible kites. He expertly shows how he can control them, zipping back and forth, after strapping himself securely in his chair that is.
Watch: Gravity is my Enemy ll – Quadriplegic Flying Stunt Kites
Video #3: Vent quad takes a ride in a sidecar
For a hobby that requires gasoline and a whole lot of guts, check our Jenni Taylor’s hobby, who’s a C1 vent-quad from Minnesota. She’s a huge fan of riding in motorcycle sidecars, an Indian motorcycle to be exact, and in this video she shows how her family helps make it happen.
From the transfer into the sidecar with a Hoyer lift to out on the open road, it shows it all. There may be a few extra steps involved for Jenni to ride, such as securing her ventilator in the compartment behind the sidecar, but once everything is in place, it’s go time, and a great fast-paced hobby all quadriplegics can enjoy.
Watch: Quad Rides in Motorcycle Sidecar
It’s safe to say high-level quadriplegics are no shrinking violets. Deep deep down, they may even more brazen than extreme wheelchair athletes, if only there were more adapted sports for them that is. The day they invent high-speed powerchair raising, you can bet the line of applicants will be all high-level quadriplegics.
What crazy hobbies have you discovered since your injury?
Watch the videos!
– C2 quad beats his old man bowling
– C1 quadriplegic takes a ride in the sidecar of an Indian motorcycle
ideas@spinalpedia.com
