Adaptive Rowing
"Conventional" Adaptive Rowing
Some adaptive rowing programs are oriented toward racing, and use "conventional" equipment that will meet the rules specified by the Adaptive Rowing Commission of the international rowing federation (FISA) and the United States Rowing Association. This disabilities classification system assumes that all rowers have the use of their hands, arms, and shoulders, and the qualifying physical disabilities are in the trunk or legs.
But there are people (hemiplegics, quadriplegics, hand or arm amputees) who do not have the use of their arms and shoulders and cannot row with conventional oars. They are effectively excluded from adaptive rowing programs. Many of these severely disabled individuals may not be interested in competitive racing, but do have a need for exercise and recreation that rowing could provide. The ability to row hands free (using their feet) is a great solution for them.
The FrontRower™ Rowing System
The FrontRower™ forward-facing rowing system accommodates many disabilities with no adaptation needed to the system. It can be used by able-bodied and disabled rowers alike, (making it fit in with the concept of "universal design"). It uses the power of any two limbs to row and steer the boat. For hand, arm or shoulder disabilities, the rower uses his legs. For leg disabilities, the rower uses her arms. Or you can use one arm and one leg. For hemiplegia, the arm and leg can be on the same side side of the body, although this requires rerouting one of the leg power ropes. The FrontRower™ also accommodates localized weakness allowing partial use or range of motion in the weak areas.
The FrontRower's forward facing position makes everything easier, because it eliminates the need to twist around to see where you are going.
The FrontRower™ is designed for use in ordinary canoes. Canoes are more stable than shells and do not require outboard pontoons or stabilizers. This makes them easier to board because there are no overhanging riggers to get in the way.
Rowing for Elders
Elder Rowing
Rowing with a FrontRower™ is great exercise for older people.
Many older individuals would like to enjoy being on the water and getting good exercise, but do not have the strength or agility required to use conventional sculling equipment. The FrontRower™ system can allow older people new to the sport to take up rowing, or experienced rowers to continue rowing after conventional rowing has become too difficult.
Rowing with a FrontRower™ is great exercise for older people.
Many older individuals would like to enjoy being on the water and getting good exercise, but do not have the strength or agility required to use conventional sculling equipment. The FrontRower™ system can allow older people new to the sport to take up rowing, or experienced rowers to continue rowing after conventional rowing has become too difficult.
Older people appreciate the exercise quality of rowing.
Boarding System
Transfer system for adaptive rowing.
Boarding System
For boarding, the two step riser with transfer board enables many wheelchair bound rowers to board and exit under their own power. The transfer board is attached to the riser and extends out over the gunwales of the boat, stabilizing it during the boarding process.
Contact Ron Rantilla for information on the boarding system.
For boarding, the two step riser with transfer board enables many wheelchair bound rowers to board and exit under their own power. The transfer board is attached to the riser and extends out over the gunwales of the boat, stabilizing it during the boarding process.
Contact Ron Rantilla for information on the boarding system.