Staying Active in the Summer
Summer in Seattle provides a great opportunity to enjoy the sunny weather while we have it.
It’s not easy for me to engage in every outdoor activity due to my disability, but this summer, I’m challenging myself to engage in sports that are keeping me active and pushing me to develop new skills and muscles: rock climbing and kayaking
Both activities are offered by a nonprofit organization called Outdoors for All.
Though I never climbed or kayaked before my accident, I’m finding it very rewarding to challenge myself in these new physical ways despite my disability.
My participation requires not only physical exertion but also concentration to ensure I’m safe. When I’m rock climbing, I need to listen carefully to the instructor about how to safely ascend and the same goes for the descent down. I’ve found that after each activity, I’m (a) sore, (b) starving, (c) exhausted.
In both of these activities, the hardest part can be getting the setup right so the participant is safe and comfortable. It’s not easy for me to get in or out of a kayak with my balance challenges, but the Outdoors for All staff and volunteers have been creative, supportive, and extremely patient.
I'm so thankful that I have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty in our Seattle backyard.
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