Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

Last Sept. I posted about my motorcycle wreck. This is my first post since then with an update: I am sportin a prosthetic left leg attached to my 6 in stump below my knee. I get around pretty good but can't get into my EZG-50 since I can't point my toes forward with my ankle.....my back and neck are healed and so far I just lack some neck turning range of motion, but not too much. My left arm is normal but my grip and range of motion twisting my wrist is not 100%. None of these will impact my ability to paddle since I am right handed. However walking in and out of the river may be a different story for now...even though I can shoulder my boat and carry it around the house. (Outside) :}
I can get into a Diesel 70, but to be comfortable I will have to trim an inch off of my toes...I just talked to Jeremy about a Stomper, sounds like it may fit my foot with no trimming, that would be good. Anybody got any input on a stomper for a guy that;s about 150 lbs? Also anybody got any info. on other paddlers that are amputees? I am researching my next leg and would like input from amputee paddlers... I am still in Clarksville TN area, but will come back here to paddle and will be paddling in Tn. when I get a boat figured out. I will list the EZG-50 on the for sale board. Thanks for listening, missed the rivers and the people!!!!!! Gary Reinhart, Mena Did I mention that I missed this place?!

Sounds like you a doing exceptionally well in your adapting and recovery!!!!! Check in with the paddling groups in your area and maybe on BoaterTalk for other boaters in your situation! Glad you're making the comeback!! Also, James of Missouri is a paraplegic who kayaks some down in Arkansas. Got a story about him and the takeout at St. Francis that left my buddy red-faced!

And besides, sure you'll have offers of assistance (wanted or not) when your at the river.

http://www.kayakinstruction.org/Kayak_I ... ogram.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hope this is helpful. Good on You for being so tenacious.

You realize of course, your "power to weight" ratio is going to be higher now - its fully possible you may be able to do MORE once you work through some outfitting issues!

Also, your timing is great. You've already been contacted by we66erno1; he'll put you in touch with someone that is working for a company that makes custom prosthetics, and has become very interested in kayaking.

I'll send you some more detailed info via PM...

Gary,
I'm actually from Kansas, but still a para. I'm glad your still boating. I taught a group of amputee vets a few years ago out in Salida Colorado. I think Wavesport gave them free creekboats. It's nice to get a free boat, but not the best boat for someone that may have a harder time getting it to the river. If you like the smaller playboat you have keep running it. Most of the guys I taught wanted to boat with their prostetic limb on. I think that could make outfitting and fit a challange. The best fit I ever saw was the addition of a stump cup inside the boat for a custom fit on that side. Creekboats are also bigger and heavy making them more difficult to use without help. I currently use a Jackson allstar and I feel comfortable on most class III-IV stuff. The lighter and smaller boat makes it easier for me to get it in and out of my car without having to get help. Just my thoughts. If I can help you in any way please let me know.

james@kansaswhitewater.org

kansas james wrote:I'm actually from Kansas, but still a para.

Missouri. Kansas. It's all the same to me!!!!

Ditto what James said! There's also a guy here in Little Rock who paddles with a prosthetic limb. When I saw him at Rockport getting in his boat, he leaves his prosthetic leg on. Anyway, he is an excellent boater as is James. The guy here in Arkansas is Mike Gauthreaux (sp?). I think he might have responded to your thread when you first had the accident. Glad you are doing better and hope to see you on the river!

Hey Gary!

Glad to see you're planning on getting back in the water again..
Hope the road back is not too difficult. Mike G. is a very good paddler and you would never know that he has a prosthetic.
See you soon..

Chris K

Steve Daniel is a kayaker out of Texas, professor at Texas A&M University, also wrote Texas Whitewater. He lost both legs below the knee in a kayaking accident in CO I believe several years ago. He was and still is one heck of a kayaker. He is definitely someone I think you would want to get in touch with although I have not talked to him for many years.

Hawkayaks wrote:Steve Daniel is a kayaker out of Texas, professor at Texas A&M University, also wrote Texas Whitewater. He lost both legs below the knee in a kayaking accident in CO I believe several years ago. He was and still is one heck of a kayaker. He is definitely someone I think you would want to get in touch with although I have not talked to him for many years.

+1 I even have his book

I am 162lbs with a stomper 80. It ie a great boat! Should fit you fine. It turns like a playboat and is bow driven. if your in ar anytime soon, you are more than welcome totakemine for a day or so of enjoyment/trial. Text me 5015176876 im in hot springs