NorCal SCI reports on one amazing Day on the Beach
Congratulations Shared Adventures and to all the supporters who turned out for another great event on Cowell Beach at Santa Cruz. It was the 26th annual Day on the Beach which was attended by well over 1,000 participants and volunteers.
This was the third year in a row that NorCal SCI Co-founder, Nick Struthers, volunteered at the event and he spent much of the afternoon supporting the Santa Cruz Ourtrigger Club before helping to dismantle the temporary wooden platforms that allowed easy access to the sand for the many wheelchair users in attendance.
Friend of NorCal SCI, Tom in his all-terrain chair
"It was great to meet up with a few friends," writes Nick.
Couldn't ask for better weather, gorgeous blue skies, a gentle cool Pacific breeze which was especially appreciated by the participants coming from the Central Valley. In fact, I met up with Kelsey and her parents, Tom and Shellie, who had made the trip from Fresno just for the event. Kelsey, who sustained an SCI in 2014, took the opportunity to scuba dive for the first time since her injury and is certainly excited to spend more time in the water in the future.
Kelsey with her father Tom and mother Shellie
We especially want to thank Kelsey for donating her spare wheelchair to NorCal SCI which we have passed on to The SCI Active Network's Share a Chair Program.
The first part of of my afternoon was spent helping with the outriggers and in between pushing the canoes into and out of the ocean, I was able to catch up with Steve pictured below.
This was Steve's first time on the outrigger and he was already discussing how he could do this again before I left. Steve, who uses a wheelchair after an SCI 10 years ago, was comfortable navigating the firm sand due to his athleticism and the chunky mountain bike tires fitted to his wheelchair. There were over 130 individuals taking advantage of the outrigger sessions, many for the first time.
Some of the participants enjoying the free BBQ and live music
We have to congratulate Shared Adventures founder, Foster Andersen, and the entire staff and volunteers for another remarkable Day on the Beach.
Nick with Foster Andersen