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the shizzle => diet, training and injuries => Topic started by: Oldmanmatt on March 13, 2013, 01:56:22 pm

Title: Bouldering and Paraplegia
Post by: Oldmanmatt on March 13, 2013, 01:56:22 pm

One for the Med. Pro's and anyone with relevant experience...

Whilst I can see the obvious problems with landing after a fall, does anyone think that this could be a viable sporting option for he wheelchair-bound?

Anyone rigged belay systems indoors or out for this purpose?

Anyone out there climbing with this or similar restrictions?

Title: Re: Bouldering and Paraplegia
Post by: iain on March 13, 2013, 02:32:45 pm

Do you know about Fran? I've seen her climbing once at the biscuit factory, really inspiring.

British Para Climbing Champion: Fran Brown on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/48138177)

and a report on the climbing championships here (http://www.thebmc.co.uk/ifsc-climbing-world-championships-and-paraclimbing-world-championships-2012)

Title: Re: Bouldering and Paraplegia
Post by: chillax on March 13, 2013, 02:41:38 pm

Thats incredibly impressive and inspiring. I now feel such a cock for whinging about having a sore ankle.

Title: Re: Bouldering and Paraplegia
Post by: magpie on March 13, 2013, 02:52:10 pm

I was just going to mention Fran, I watched an interview with her the other day, she's some lady!  :bow:

Title: Re: Bouldering and Paraplegia
Post by: andyd on March 13, 2013, 03:41:20 pm

Quote from: magpie on March 13, 2013, 02:52:10 pm

I was just going to mention Fran, I watched an interview with her the other day, she's some lady!  :bow:

:agree: great video
It's amazing how people with disabilities adapt. My niece was born without a hand, and I used to think she'd never be a climber. Now she's nearly 5 years old I'm not so sure. She can do far more than I imagined she would already. I reckon she could be the next Tommy with some off-width tutelage!
If you get the climbing bug, you'll want to climb, no matter who/what your circumstances. You just need the opportunity to try it.

Title: Re: Bouldering and Paraplegia
Post by: iain on March 13, 2013, 04:42:14 pm

Quote from: andyd on March 13, 2013, 03:41:20 pm

My niece was born without a hand, and I used to think she'd never be a climber.

Slightly :off: but do you know about Kev Shields (http://kevshieldsclimbing.blogspot.co.uk/)? Climbs harder than most people with both hands and quite useful with axes as well.

Title: Re: Bouldering and Paraplegia
Post by: SA Chris on March 13, 2013, 05:14:31 pm

I was about to say the same thing, but was wracking my brain to remember surname. there are some vids online too.

Title: Bouldering and Paraplegia
Post by: Oldmanmatt on March 13, 2013, 07:33:39 pm

Brilliant! Ta all-round.

Has anyone seen any nifty adaptations at their local wall to allow better disabled access and use?

And if anyone knows how to reach Fran, can you PM me (and I'll give you an email address to pass to her)?

Title: Re: Bouldering and Paraplegia
Post by: iain on March 14, 2013, 08:08:30 am

If no one on here has a contact try going through the wall:
http://archclimbingwall.com/ (http://archclimbingwall.com/)
thebiscuit@archclimbingwall.com

She's sponsored by them and climbs with some of the staff.

Title: Bouldering and Paraplegia
Post by: Oldmanmatt on March 14, 2013, 04:48:43 pm

Done! Thanks Iain.

Title: Re: Bouldering and Paraplegia
Post by: magpie on March 14, 2013, 11:39:30 pm

Fran also had contact details posted on this site: http://www.spinal.co.uk/page/meet-fran-brown (http://www.spinal.co.uk/page/meet-fran-brown)

Title: Re: Bouldering and Paraplegia
Post by: Tombondphysio on March 15, 2013, 08:02:36 pm

you can contact Fran via her website:
http://www.franbrown.org.uk/ (http://www.franbrown.org.uk/)

She's really approachable and loves spreading the word of disabled climbing!