• NEDS provides year-round outdoor activities, instruction, and equipment for almost any person with disabilities. Considered one of the top adaptive sports organizations in the nation, NEDS provides many of the often-served sports, as well as snowshoeing, fishing, golfing, and waterskiing. It’s located at Bretton Woods and Loon Mountain ski resorts in New Hampshire.

• If you or an adaptive athlete you love is into skiing and other outdoor sports, Adaptive Sports Foundation is an excellent organization. Located in Windham, NY, the foundation provides ski lessons, camps, races, and several sports including mountain biking, hiking, golf, and paddling. Covid has altered some operations, so be sure to check their website for updates and instructions.

• Almost any person with disabilities can find a home at Lakeshore in Homewood, Alabama. With a wide variety of activities and sports offered, Lakeshore is a destination and golden resource for both regional and traveling adaptive athletes. Famous for its expansive inventory of equipment, Lakeshore is truly a premier adaptive sports organization in the country. Athletes and participants for a multitude of activities will find adaptive equipment, such as skateboards, scooters, wheelchairs, golf clubs, tricycles, bicycles, and playgrounds, as well as equipment for volleyball, beach volleyball, bowling, swimming, boccia, ping pong, curling, basketball, rock climbing, skiing, and tennis.

• Throughout Los Angeles, adaptive sports programs are popping up partly due to the efforts of Angel City Sports. ACS’s passion to provide quality training, facilities, access, and opportunities for any person with disabilities shows in its fruit. It’s connected to over 200 events and facilities and many hard-to-find sporting options, such as Badminton, Archery, Cheer, Martial Arts, Powerlifting, and Sled Hockey.

• Like all adaptive sports organizations, MAS is dedicated to the pursuit of fun, inclusive, dignifying, confidence-building, camaraderie-making, and many more attributes to activities enjoyed by most people. MAS is located in Kansas City, MO and offers adaptive football, rugby, and softball, among others.

In many places across the country a person can search “Adaptive Sports Near Me” and a bevy of sites will pop up. They will have pics of people having a great time, and if the Google algorithms do their job, there may even be something Near Them. It wasn’t always like that.

Nationally, in recent years, groups have formed to assist adaptive athletes in activities most take for granted. Coastal Adaptive Sports, for example, offers basketball, cycling, and surfing, as well as partnering with other entities to facilitate kayaking and track and field, plus other social activities. Locally in the North Myrtle Beach area, much of the progress occurred because people saw a need and then had the vision and stick-to-it-ness to bring the changes to fruition. The North Myrtle Beach area and areas far away have benefitted from the efforts of some people we want to highlight.

Luke and Erin Sharp and Brandon and Cara Bellegarde stumbled onto the first Wheel to Surf event organized by Brock Johnson, working with Kevin Murphy of Ocean Cure, where they also met Chris Skinner and Roni Tario and a few others at the beach surfing. It was a beautiful thing to see – people helping people, bravery, fun, adventure, newness, a victory of sorts. The Sharps and Bellegardes saw a need for safety and expansion. After all, there were no “Adaptive Sports Near Me.”

On safety, at this time there was no specialized equipment. It was a lifejacket and pool noodles operation. Many adaptive surfers were at risk of serious injuries. With little community support and very little money, training, or experience, Brock was already blessing people with his servant’s heart. Chris and Roni were brave participants in this great exploration. The emerging project just needed a little help.

Fast forward on the safety issues to today where a Wheel to Surf event involves hundreds of volunteers helping keep people safe. Those involved developed techniques and systems, such as having two volunteers in the deep, one on the surfboard, two in mid, two in the shallows, and a beach team. They even resourced Malinda Chapell with Coastal Adaptive and local medical professionals like physical therapists to learn how to transfer adaptive surfers safely.

As Wheel to Surf events began to grow, so did the need for volunteers and other supporters. Couple those needs with a vision of involving even greater numbers of participants, and the need for some serious networking and resourcing loomed large. Consequently, Brandon and others worked to form an official business with a mission to bless as many adaptive surfers as possible (they didn’t know yet that some of their success and developments would affect people way beyond the Grand Strand). They formed The Adaptive Surf Project, complete with board members, a tech team, and multiple modes of marketing.

Simultaneously, Brandon, Luke, James Samaha of Samaha Surfboards, Todd Sutz of Island Inspired Surfboards, and others went to work designing adaptive equipment – like modified surfboards – and procured large and small donations. Today, many of the designs for modified equipment used around the world came from our people here in the North Myrtle Beach area.

The Wheel to Surf events were now poppin’. Word was getting out in the community and online, and soon the need for volunteers exploded. They needed more people, but they also needed trained people. Brock worked again with Kevin Murphy of Ocean Cure, who became a huge help to Adaptive Surf Project and consequently Coastal Adaptive.

As it stands, Wheel to Surf events have hundreds of volunteers and dozens of surfers, who sometimes drive as much as six hours for a 20 minute surf sesh. And that’s just locally. There are now similar programs popping up across the country and even in places globally. These programs are using equipment and strategies that were developed by our local visionaries and helpers here in the North Myrtle Beach area.

Olympic and Para-Olympic surfing now events exist, in part, because of conversations between The Adaptive Surf Project and Olympic committees. ASP is changing the world. Now when someone near a coast in many parts of the world searches for “Adaptive Sports Near Me” they just might find something.

Coastal Adaptive Sports flourishes partly due to the success of the surfing efforts and also the coordination, logistics, and equipment provided by The Adaptive Surf Project. Now Coastal Adaptive serves hundreds of athletes in multiple sports and activities. Even though Coastal Adaptive provided a great service to adaptive athletes before, it has surely benefitted from the community support and overall energy for volunteerism and awareness that came from the rising tide of the adaptive surfing community. Oodles of people enjoy the fruits from the efforts of many fun-loving, people-loving, visionaries who pushed and pulled the movement into its burgeoning self.

Wanna get involved? You may also volunteer to help out with a Coastal Adaptive Sports event by clicking here.

In the world of adaptive sports, wheelchair basketball stands out as a transformative activity that goes beyond the court. It’s not just a game; it’s a gateway to physical fitness, mental well-being, and social inclusion. As more individuals discover the power of adaptive sports, wheelchair basketball is leading the charge in demonstrating the profound impact these activities can have on participants’ lives. Let’s delve into the multifaceted benefits of wheelchair basketball, exploring its physical, mental, and social dimensions.

Physical Benefits: Strength, Endurance, and Coordination

Wheelchair basketball is an intense, high-energy sport that demands a great deal of physical exertion. Players must navigate the court with speed and agility, requiring significant upper body strength and cardiovascular endurance.

1. Strength and Conditioning: The repetitive movements involved in pushing a wheelchair and handling the basketball build upper body strength, particularly in the arms, shoulders, and chest. Regular participation in wheelchair basketball leads to improved muscle tone and greater overall physical strength.
2. Cardiovascular Health: The fast-paced nature of the game provides an excellent cardiovascular workout. Players raise their heart rates, boosting their cardiovascular health, improving circulation, and building up their overall stamina.
3. Coordination and Agility: Maneuvering a wheelchair while dribbling, passing, and shooting requires a high degree of coordination. Players develop exceptional hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, which are beneficial both on and off the court.
4. Weight Management: Engaging in regular physical activity through wheelchair basketball can help manage weight, reduce the risk of obesity, and promote a healthier lifestyle. The sport’s intensity ensures that players burn calories and maintain an active metabolism.

Mental Benefits: Confidence, Focus, and Resilience

The mental health benefits of wheelchair basketball are equally as profound as the physical benefits. The sport fosters a sense of achievement and builds resilience, helping players to overcome challenges both on the court and in their daily lives.

1. Self-Confidence: Achieving success in wheelchair basketball, whether through mastering a new skill or winning a game, boosts self-esteem. The sense of accomplishment and recognition from peers and coaches reinforces a positive self-image.
2. Focus and Concentration: The strategic nature of wheelchair basketball requires players to remain focused and make quick decisions. This constant need for concentration enhances cognitive abilities and improves mental clarity.
3. Resilience and Coping Skills: The competitive environment of wheelchair basketball teaches players how to handle both victory and defeat. Learning to cope with losses and setbacks in the game fosters resilience, which is a crucial life skill.
4. Stress Relief: Physical activity, in general, is known to reduce stress levels, and wheelchair basketball is no exception. The sport provides an outlet for releasing tension and pent-up energy, contributing to overall mental well-being.

Social Benefits: Community, Teamwork, and Inclusion

One of the most significant advantages of wheelchair basketball is its ability to create a strong sense of community and foster social connections. The sport brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and teamwork.

1. Building Relationships: Wheelchair basketball teams are often tight-knit communities where players support and motivate each other. These relationships extend beyond the court, providing a valuable support network.
2. Teamwork and Collaboration: Success in wheelchair basketball depends on effective teamwork. Players learn to communicate, strategize, and work together towards common goals. These skills are transferable to other areas of life, including work and personal relationships.
3. Social Inclusion: Adaptive sports like wheelchair basketball break down barriers and promote inclusion. They provide opportunities for people to engage in physical activity and enjoy the camaraderie of team sports, fostering a more inclusive society.
4. Role Models and Inspiration: Wheelchair basketball players often become role models within their communities, inspiring others to pursue adaptive sports. Their stories of determination and success can motivate others to overcome their own challenges.

Transforming Lives Beyond the Court

The impact of wheelchair basketball extends far beyond the game itself. For many players, the sport is a catalyst for positive change in various aspects of their lives.

1. Academic and Career Success: The discipline and perseverance learned through wheelchair basketball often translate into academic and professional achievements. Players develop a strong work ethic and time management skills that benefit them in their studies and careers.
2. Independence and Empowerment: Engaging in wheelchair basketball empowers individuals to take control of their health and well-being. It encourages a proactive approach to life, fostering independence and self-reliance.
3. Advocacy and Awareness: Players often become advocates for adaptive sports and disability rights. By sharing their experiences, they raise awareness about the importance of accessibility and the need for inclusive recreational opportunities.
4. Improved Quality of Life: Ultimately, wheelchair basketball enhances the overall quality of life for its players. The physical, mental, and social benefits contribute to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.

Wheelchair basketball is much more than a sport; it’s a powerful tool for transformation. By promoting physical fitness, mental resilience, and social inclusion, it enriches the lives of those who participate. As the popularity of adaptive sports continues to grow, wheelchair basketball stands as a testament to the incredible potential sports have to change lives. Whether you’re a player, a coach, or a supporter, embracing the spirit of wheelchair basketball can lead to a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

And the best way to do that is together – as part of a team. But often, it can be hard to find activities that are accessible to everyone. And that can be discouraging, leaving you feeling disconnected. But the truth is, everyone deserves the opportunity to play in the safety of a supportive community. CAS was started by adaptive athletes, volunteers, and donors for that very reason: to bring together people of all abilities to play. Whether you’re looking to just try a new activity, have aspirations to compete on the international stage, or you want to play regularly with our fun-loving local tribe, there’s a spot for you!

Forget the limits and let’s reimagine what’s possible together.

Wheel to Surf is a surf clinic for individuals who happen to have a disability. With trained volunteers and specially modified surfboards, becoming a surfer and riding the waves is within reach of anyone willing to try. We have surfers who ride tandem, prone, and seated, as well as standing. So whether you’re new to surfing, or looking for a chance to get back in the water in a new way, join us for Wheel to Surf!

One of the burgeoning areas in adaptive sports is adaptive golf. Like most other sports, golf has its physical requirements that are prohibitive to people with certain disabilities. Well, that’s just not going to fly with a few folks in Myrtle Beach and its surrounding areas. So, they have worked hard to create opportunities and connect people with disabilities with area resources.

One fantastic opportunity occurred just a few weeks ago, when Effie Baldwin, founder of Believing in a Better World, hosted along with Brandon Worley, founder of Upstate-Carolina Adaptive Golf, a golf camp for people of all skill levels and abilities. Baldwin says, “I don’t think we ever tell them that [there are things they cannot do.] Golf is something they can do.” (See interview on KCTV5.com.)

While Baldwin always loved golf and people with disabilities, it was a few golfers from an adaptive golf program at an African American Golf Expo who became the impetus for her action for the golf camp. One of the first steps was to reach out for help from Worley, who was also working with adaptive golf. Together they have initiated a much-needed opportunity with the spirits of inclusivity and fun.

Just like with us at Coastal Adaptive Sports, their endeavor was not borne from a void of kindred spirits. Project Golf is a highly successful program for getting wounded veterans back in the swing. Adaptive Golfers who – although they are from New Jersey – stay connected to the Myrtle Beach area, partially through their successful World Amateur golf tournament.

Founder Gianna Rojas is considered a true leader in the adaptive golf world. Even now she offers extensive resources on her website, and has her own programming channel.

We hope kids will take advantage of the golf camp next year and onward, so link this to anyone you know that may have an interest. We won’t charge you, we promise. And, please pass along the exciting message that there are people all around the Myrtle Beach area working to make sports of many kinds available to people with disabilities. You or they can contact us at Coastal Adaptive Sports if they want to participate or volunteer for any of our programs or events!

This month, we want to highlight the American Association of Adapted Sports Programs. The American Association of Adapted Sports Programs (AAASP) is a nonprofit organization that aims to promote and provide adapted sports programs for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities.

Founded in 1991, the AAASP has grown to become one of the leading organizations in the field of adapted sports, with a mission to “advance the development and promotion of adapted sports programs to improve the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities.”

Adapted sports are modified versions of traditional sports that can be played by individuals who happen to have disabilities. These modifications may include using adaptive equipment, modifying the rules of the game, or using adaptive techniques to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in the sport. The AAASP works with a variety of sports, including basketball, golf, soccer, swimming, track and field, and more.

One of the main goals of the AAASP is to provide opportunities for individuals who happen to have a disability to participate in sports and physical activity. Through its programs, the AAASP works to break down barriers and create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants. The AAASP also works to educate coaches, administrators, and other professionals about the benefits of adapted sports and how to effectively incorporate them into their programs.

In addition to promoting adapted sports programs, the AAASP also works to support research and development in the field. The organization supports research projects and initiatives that aim to improve the quality and effectiveness of adapted sports programs, as well as to identify best practices and strategies for promoting the participation of individuals with disabilities in sports and physical activity.

The AAASP also hosts a number of events and competitions throughout the year, including the AAASP National Championships and the AAASP World Championships. These events provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to compete and showcase their skills, as well as to connect with other athletes and coaches from around the country and the world.

Some key statistics to keep in mind about the American Association of Adapted Sports:

• Some key statistics to keep in mind about the American Association of Adapted Sports:
• The American Association of Adapted Sports is available in 210 school districts nationwide with a total of 2,490 participating schools.
• The AAASP has trained over 2,000 coaches and officials ranging in a variety of sports
• The association has an 82% graduation rate
• The association has donated $2.6 million in grants and equipment to participating schools

Overall, the American Association of Adapted Sports Programs plays a vital role in promoting and supporting adapted sports programs for individuals with disabilities. By providing opportunities for participation and promoting research and development in the field, the AAASP is helping to improve the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities and to create a more inclusive society.

If you’re in the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area, Coastal Adaptive Sports is here for you. We offer a variety of sports and programs that are open to everyone. Please contact us here for any questions you may have.

It goes without saying that an organization is only as good as its invested parties. Well, Coastal Adaptive is blessed with many that are personally invested with time or talents or support. Abby Banks is one of those blessings. Let’s meet her and hear about her experience with adaptive sports.

What can you tell us about yourself?

Abby: I live in Greenwood, South Carolina. I’m a wife and mom of 3 kids. A son, Jay; a daughter, Austin; and another son, Wyatt.

How did you find out about Coastal Adaptive and what drew you to get involved?

Abby: I found out through social media trying to be involved in the special needs community. When our son Wyatt was 7 months old, he was healthy but then became paralyzed overnight. It was a one in a million thing. We had never known anyone with a disability, no family or friends with disability. We wanted to find things to get Wyatt involved. I ran track and cross country in college.

Wyatt’s activities had been taken away. He got the use of his arms soon after. We wanted him to know he could do anything, and we were looking for something to do that would encourage him to move. We wanted him to grow up with an attitude of, “Well, why couldn’t I do that?”

I saw surf clinics in California but then saw that it was available in Myrtle Beach. Wyatt was 3 at that point. We thought adaptive sports would be good for Jay and Austin, too, and that it would be fun for the whole family. We didn’t know what it would look like. We were really excited at how organized it was and how cared for we were. Safety was a top priority. Wyatt was made to feel like an athlete. He was saying things like, “When do I get to go surfing again?” and “No, I can surf. I can go surfing. Wyatt doesn’t know any different. He doesn’t know that people said he couldn’t do things. Other people made a way and we’re super thankful.

What can you tell us about your experience?

Abby: I was scared as a mom. It looked like they were going out too far. It was not what I pictured. I thought, “What have I done with my baby?” But Wyatt loved every second. He would say, “I’m scared but I want to do it anyway.” I loved that mentality. It teaches about life, to not be afraid to overcome. It’s okay to do scary things. You might fail at it, you can still enjoy a sport even if you’re not the best at it. It’s good to see yourself get better, but it’s okay to do something and not be great but still keep doing it. It’s been so fun to watch his smile. He lights up when he knows he does well.

What to tell others that are hesitant to join? To serve?

Abby: As a participant, they do so much to relieve the fear to make you feel safe. I had questions answered. There’s so much freedom in the water. When he’s in the water, he looks just like his friends, getting in there and feeling like everyone else. It’s freedom. It’s a joy to watch.

From a volunteer perspective, the adaptive sports volunteer gets more than the participants. We get to see them have joy and celebrate and see families celebrate. It’s heartwarming seeing the participants celebrate over fear. It’s a great day, and they’re often realizing they got more than they gave at the end of the day.

How has it blessed your family?

Abby: It made us realize that the beach is accessible. We think things will be taken away, and granted it’s harder, but realizing that things are still doable, in an environment with friends that are more able is good. It’s good for the other children to see, too. Jay and Austin got surf lessons, for example. It’s for the family and not just the athlete.

What surprised you?

Abby: I was surprised by the number of volunteers and the number it takes to put the adaptive sports events on. It’s a beautiful sight. People underestimate the time and effort – the Coastal Adaptive volunteers do an amazing job, all the people that have to come together.

What is your hope for Coastal Adaptive?

Abby: I hope they grow so that South Carolina can see what it looks like to have a great adaptive sports program. Until you have a special needs child you often don’t see the need or what it takes. Healthy doesn’t just happen. It takes work. The person needs to move and be a part of something, be a part of a community. Representation matters, and that a person with needs can see other adaptive people and have people to look up to, and it helps others to value people.

Anything you would like to add?

Abby: You can do anything you want. We just have to do it a little differently.

Abby and her family clearly love being a part of a great adaptive sports organization. If you know someone who would benefit from Coastal Adaptive or someone that would love to help out, have them contact us here. Also, be sure to stay up to date with our events and programs here and read our other blogs here!

As we continue our blog series about our beloved volunteers and participants here at Coastal Adaptive Sports, we decided to highlight our friend and adaptive water sports attendee Mary Gainey!

Mary Gainey hails from the small city of Hartsville, South Carolina. She’s a paraplegic and has been since she was born. She had never heard of adaptive water sports before, or adaptive sports in general, until one day her friend, who is also in a chair, told her she was going surfing. After some convincing, Mary joined her friend on the hour and a half long trip to North Myrtle Beach for an adaptive surfing event, and she’s been participating ever since!

Describe your first experience with Coastal Adaptive Sports.

Mary: When I attended the first adaptive surfing event with my friend, I was a little nervous. But then I thought, if my friend can do it, it couldn’t be that bad! Our parents are extra protective of us, so I knew since she was able to be out there in the water then so could I. But everyone seemed really nice so that was encouraging. I didn’t know what to expect or what I was supposed to be doing. But once I got out there and everyone helped me figure things out, I thought it was amazing to be in the water. It was nice to be out of the chair for a day and to feel normal around other people. Because of this, I’ve been surfing for the past 5 years and I go every chance I get.

What’s your favorite part about participating/volunteering with Coastal Adaptive Sports?

Mary: The camaraderie of everyone around who supports us and takes time out of their busy lives to help people like me have these experiences. In small towns and cities like Hartsville, there’s not a lot or no adaptive sports at all. So I really appreciate all the people who come together to make these adaptive events happen. Everyone is always super nice and supportive.

What would you tell others (participants or volunteers) who are hesitant about signing up with Coastal Adaptive Sports?

Mary: I have other friends who are in chairs who live in different towns but are scared to come to an adaptive water sports event like adaptive surfing because they’re afraid of the water. But, I always try to ease their fears by telling them that the people who are at these events have your back and want you to feel the freeing feeling of being on the board, in the water, and out of the chair. There are also life jackets, and if you fall off your board you have tons of volunteers around to help you get back up.

How has Coastal Adaptive Sports helped you?

Mary: CAS has helped me because it gives me an outlet and a way to enjoy things that I never thought I could experience before. I work two jobs, so I don’t get to do much except for working and being at home. So the events give me an exciting, fun time to be with people and be out on the waves in the ocean that God has made.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Mary: I’m just so grateful for CAS as an option for other people to experience something that they don’t normally get to do. I’m very thankful for the volunteers and the people who spend their time helping because otherwise, we wouldn’t have these events. Sometimes time is more valuable than money!

If you’re looking for adaptive water sports in or around the North Myrtle Beach area, then be sure to check out our events calendar! We also offer other sports programs and events like wheelchair basketball and adaptive cycling. As always, feel free to contact us with any questions about our events or about volunteering!

Wanna get involved? You may also volunteer to help out with a Coastal Adaptive Sports event by clicking here.

Hello friends! With the world’s current situation, things have been a lot different for everyone. And at Coastal Adaptive Sports, we’re really missing all of you and our fun days of biking, surfing, basketball, and more. If you’re someone who usually comes to our events, or even someone who was excited to sign up for the first time this summer, you’re probably wondering what’s going on with our summer adaptive sports program with the COVID-19 pandemic happening.

Things here in the Myrtle Beach area are opening back up – but we’re still not absolutely sure when we’ll be able to start having our summer adaptive sports program regularly scheduled again. However, please be aware that we’re trying our best so that we can all enjoy this summer together any way we can.

Of course, this means we have to adapt (no pun intended) to the current situation and stay positive while we continue to work towards rescheduling our events. So please keep your eyes peeled for posts on social media and our events calendar for the near future! The Coastal Adaptive Sports, Wheel to Surf, and Coastal Chairmen crewx are working diligently so that we can catch some waves together soon.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out and contact us and we’ll be happy to help. We look forward to seeing you all soon!

Wanna get involved? You may also volunteer to help out with a Coastal Adaptive Sports event by clicking here.