beach

south-carolina-track

South Carolina Track Chair Program

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After a hunting accident left Jacob Beisecker with a spinal cord injury, he was determined to continue his active outdoor lifestyle. While he was in rehabilitation at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Jacob discovered a mobility device that could make that dream a reality — a track chair. This offroad power wheelchair is outfitted with tank tracks instead of wheels, which allows it to navigate uneven terrain. After Jacob tried it out, he knew it was just what he needed to enjoy the outdoors. Sadly though, this expensive piece of adaptive equipment was out of his price range.

After he returned home, Jacob continued to search for an affordable offroad option, and as luck would have it he stumbled across a used track chair within his budget. He snapped it up and proceeded to explore the South Carolina outdoor areas that he had always enjoyed. But then he thought that there were probably others like him, who would benefit from a track chair but couldn’t afford one. And so, Waymaker Offroad Wheelchairs (www.waymakeroffroadwheelchairs.com) was born. Today this South Carolina non-profit provides loaner track chairs to wheelchair-users and slow walkers, who want to enjoy Mother Nature.

Pick Up a Track Chair

Headquartered in Hartsville, Waymaker Offroad Wheelchairs has a fleet of track chairs available to loan. Reserving a South Carolina track chair is easy. Just go to https://docs.google.com/forms/  and fill out the form. The track chairs are usually loaned out for a day or two, but they are available for up to a week if needed.

A small utility trailer is also available for loan; however if your vehicle cannot pull a trailer, delivery can be arranged. The delivery option is only available within 100 miles of Hartsville, on Saturdays from April to September. There’s no deposit needed to borrow a track chair; however a valid drivers license is required. The track chairs are also GPS traceable.

A number of accessories are available for the track chairs, including a headrest and an umbrella holder. They also have a four-point harness for folks who lack trunk control. And if you like to hunt or fish, don’t forget to request the gun mount, shooting rest or fishing rod holder.

Hunters will be happy to hear that track chairs are also permitted in all South Carolina Wildlife Management Areas. In the end, the choice is totally yours — you might even want to check out Myrtle Beach, which is just a few hours from the Waymaker Offroad Wheelchairs headquarters.

Track Chairs at State & County Parks

If you’re not able to pick up a track chair, you can also borrow a South Carolina track chair at many state and county parks through Waymaker Offroad Wheelchairs. These can be reserved online at https://www.waymakeroffroadwheelchairs.com/state-parks . Your drivers license will be held as a deposit when you pick up the track chair, and returned when you are through.

Track chairs are currently available at:

  • Huntington Beach State Park
  • Edisto Beach State Park
  • Ghivans Ferry State Park
  • Hampton Plantation
  • Hunting Island State Park
  • Oconee State Park
  • Sadlers Creek State Park

Jacob hopes to be able to expand the track chair loaner program in the future, so check the Waymaker Offroad Wheelchair website for new locations. Says Jacob, “We’re totally donor funded and are looking for corporate and individual donors to help sponsor us. These chairs made a huge difference in my recovery journey to be able to get back outdoors doing the things I love.” For more information about Waymaker Offroad Wheelchairs, visit their website, call (843) 287-7986 or e-mail WaymakerOffroadWheelchairs@gmail.com.

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Water Wheelchairs at Florida State Parks

Water Wheelchairs at Florida State Parks

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Although many Florida state parks have beach wheelchairs, thanks to a partnership between the Florida State Parks Foundation (floridastateparksfoundation.org) and Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation (preservesurfingbeaches.org) a handful of state parks also have water wheelchairs. Unlike standard beach wheelchairs, the water wheelchairs — also called floating wheelchairs — have buoyant armrests so they can also be taken out into the surf. There’s no charge to use the water wheelchairs at Florida State Parks, but the checkout procedures vary from park to park, so contact the parks directly for more information,

Here’s where you can find the Florida State Park water wheelchairs:

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cozumel

Wheelchair-Accessible Cozumel Tours

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Although it’s possible to snag a wheelchair-accessible taxi at the port in Cozumel, it can be a hit or miss proposition. If you want to make sure you have accessible transportation while you’re in port, then it’s best to book a wheelchair-accessible Cozumel tour through This is Cozumel thisiscozumel.com/tours/packagedetails/cozumel-wheelchair-accessible-tours).

This local tour company has ramped vans with the rear seats removed, so there’s plenty of room for a wheelchair, a scooter, or even two manual wheelchairs. Tours can be customized to individual tastes, and they can include stops at the Hacienda Antiqua Tequila Center, the Discover Mexico Exhibition or an accessible beach bar and restaurant. Along the way knowledgeable English-speaking guides give visitors the low down about the local sights, history and culture. Alternatively, if you’d like to enjoy a beach day, they also offer a wheelchair-accessible beach excursion (thisiscozumel.com/tours/packagedetails/cozumel-accessible-beach-tour).

The tours depart from local hotels, cruise ship piers, or any downtown meeting place. For more information, or to book your wheelchair-accessible Cozumel tour, call (866) 677-0058 or e-mail info@thisiscozumel.com.

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22 Accessible Road Trips
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Relax and Recharge at Hofsas House in Carmel

Relax and Recharge at Hofsas House in Carmel

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Hofsas House in Carmel-By-The-Sea, California

Located 120 miles south of San Francisco, Carmel-by-the-Sea simply oozes charm. This one-square-mile European-style village boasts Bavarian architecture, quaint shops, galleries of all sorts, and one of the most beautiful beaches in Northern California. Often described as a storybook setting, this Northern California enclave is the perfect place to unplug, relax and recharge. And there’s no better lodging choice than Hofsas House — a historic property with modern access upgrades and an owner with the right attitude.

Hofsas House

Located just a few blocks from the town center, Hofsas House (www.hofsashouse.com) is a great lodging pick for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Although this property dates back to 1947, owner Carrie Theis has proactively made access upgrades over the years. And thanks to her efforts, guests with mobility disabilities can now truly enjoy this Carmel-by-the-Sea gem.

Although there are two steps up to the front office (and absolutely no room for a ramp), Carrier offers in-car registration for guests with mobility disabilities. After that, you can drive around and parallel park right in front of accessible room 37. And if you need help, luggage assistance is also available. There are a few slight half-inch lips along the pathway to the room, but all-in-all it’s pretty doable.

Access features in the room include wide doorways, good pathway access, and level access out to the spacious back balcony. Since the property is built into the hillside, this street level room is actually on the third floor, so there’s a great ocean view from the balcony. There is wheelchair-access to both sides of the 25-inch high open-frame king-sized bed, and the room is furnished with two easy chairs, a small table, a microwave and a refrigerator,

The bathroom has a full five-foot turning radius, and it’s equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. The toilet has grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated); and there’s a roll-under sink with a very spacious counter located just outside the bathroom.

Bottom line — it’s a comfortable room with good access and a great view.

(click image to enlarge)

But Wait — There’s More!

Of course there’s more to Hofsas House than just the room — they also go above and beyond in the service department too. For example, since there are two steps up into the hotel lobby (where the Continental breakfast is served), Carrie will happily arrange for breakfast delivery to your room if you can’t manage the steps. 

In the end, Carrie is constantly finding ways to make her historic property more accessible. Previously the pool area was not accessible to wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Now, thanks to Carrie, there’s an accessible path to the pool from the lower parking area, and the pool also has a lift. So now everyone can enjoy some pool fun.

Says Carrie, “If we can accommodate folks, we will; but I encourage people to call us and discuss their access needs, so we can provide them with the right room.” A long-time business owner in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carrie adds, “I know every property in town, and if our place won’t work, I will suggest one that will.”

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California National Park
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Wheelchair-Accessible Costa Rica Casitas

Wheelchair-Accessible Costa Rica Casitas

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Casa Elios in Costa Rica

If a Caribbean vacation is in your future, then check out these wheelchair-accessible Costa Rica casitas. Located on the southern Nicola Peninsula in Playa Hermosa, these homes were built to be accessible by wheelchair-user Mark Overson. The Costa Rica homes can be rented together for a family gathering, or separately for a more intimate getaway.

Casa Elios

Casa Elios is the larger of the two homes. This two-bedroom, one-bathroom house can sleep up to five, and features good pathway access throughout the unit. The fully equipped kitchen includes new appliances and all the dishes and utensils you need to whip up a gourmet spread.

The master bedroom has an adjustable king-sized bed, while the second bedroom has three single beds. The bathroom has a Continental-style shower with grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. It’s also equipped with a roll-under sink and an accessible toilet. Even better – all of the furniture in the house was custom built to be wheelchair-accessible.

Casa Tranquil

The adjacent home — Casa Tranquil — is equally accessible. It features good pathway access throughout the unit, and it can sleep up to three people. There is a queen-sized futon on the main level, and an additional sleeping loft that can accommodate one or two people. It’s also equipped with a kitchen and a small dining table.

The bathroom has the same access features as the one in Casa Elios, including a Continental-style shower with grab bars and a hand-held showerhead. It also has a roll-under sink and an accessible toilet with grab bars.

As an added bonus, Casa Tranquil is surrounded by trees for privacy, so it’s the perfect choice for a couples getaway. And both homes have secure parking, air conditioning and high-speed internet.

The Public Spaces

Both wheelchair-accessible Costa Rica casitas share a tranquil public space, which includes a large deck with private pool in a tropical garden setting. There’s barrier-free access around the pool, which is equipped with a pulley style lift. Says Mark’s wife Susan, “We had to buy all the equipment in the states and then take it to Costa Rica and install it.”

The houses are close to the beach, but it’s best to bring a wheelchair with fat tires for easier rolling. There’s also a surf camp nearby that can provide adaptive surf lessons and equipment. And if you’d like to try yoga, the Oversons can recommend an instructor who will work with you.

As an added bonus, Mark and Susan are happy to help guests plan an accessible getaway to Costa Rica, as they have been visiting the country for many years, and they’ve developed some good local contacts that can lend an accessible hand. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of traveling to Costa Rica, or hitting the surf – or both – Mark and Susan can help make it happen.

For more information about these wheelchair-accessible Costa Rica casitas visit airbnb.com/rooms/24129359.
And if you have any questions about the units, then give Susan Overson a call at (952) 270-3027 or drop her an e-mail at oversonlanding@yahoo.com. She can also send you a drone video of the house and the surrounding area. So start planning your wheelchair-accessible Costa Rica getaway today.

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San Diego Power Beach Wheelchairs & More!

San Diego Power Beach Wheelchairs & More!

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Power beach wheelchairs at Coronado Beach in San Diego, California

Although a number of San Diego beaches have beach wheelchairs and beach mats, a few locations go one step further. Along with the standard beach wheelchairs — that require a strong helper to push — some San Diego beaches now have power beach wheelchairs to loan.

These San Diego power beach wheelchairs are somewhat of a cross between a standard beach wheelchair with large balloon tires, and a power wheelchair with a joystick. They are easy to operate, and after a brief orientation from the lifeguard you can easily cruise along the sandy beach. And the best part about the power beach wheelchairs is that they allow wheelchair-users independent access to the beach. You don’t need a helper to push you and you can go wherever you want and take things at your own pace. They are also a great option for slow walkers who may tire easily trudging over the sand.

These power beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come basis; however it’s best to call in advance as some locations have limited hours.

Imperial Beach
(619) 685-7972
imperialbeachca.gov/322/Power-Beach-Chairs

Coronado Beach
(619) 222-7346 ext. 3
ca-coronado.civicplus.com/246/Beach-Wheelchair-Program

Mission Beach
(619) 980-1876

Cardiff State Beach
(760) 753-5091

Floating Beach Wheelchairs

The San Diego power beach wheelchairs must stay at least five feet away from the water; however if you’d like to go for a swim, then check out the floating beach wheelchairs at Moonlight Beach in nearby Encinitas. You will need some assistance to wheel these chairs down to the water, but once you hit the surf they float. You can choose to enjoy the ocean by yourself, or have a companion there to assist you. Either way, it’s a great way to enjoy the water.

And if you’d prefer to stay dry, they also have power beach wheelchairs available at Moonlight Beach. For more information about the floating beach wheelchairs or the power beach wheelchairs at Moonlight Beach, call (760) 633-2740.

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alabama-power-chair

Power Beach Wheelchairs on Alabama Beaches

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If you’ve always dreamed of enjoying some fun and sun on the beach, but thought it was impossible because you use a wheelchair, then think again. Thanks to an enterprising man on the Gulf Coast, power beach wheelchairs on Alabama beaches are a reality for wheelchair-users and slow walkers..

A Man With a Plan

After retiring to the Gulf Coast, Jerry Nasello was diagnosed with ALS. A diehard beachgoer, Nasello was devastated, but he was also determined to find a way to navigate over the sand without walking. He remembered a power beach wheelchair that he once saw in California, and his analytical mind went to work and he created his own version. And over the years he improved it, so he and other wheelchair users could hit the beach.

His first model used PVC pipe, but subsequent models incorporated lightweight metal frames and non-corrosive alloys into the design. He then added an upholstered seat and a joystick for steering for the perfect beach access solution for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. And shortly thereafter he started a company and began renting his fleet of power beach wheelchair to others.

New Owners Continue The Dream

Sadly Jerry is no longer with us, however his power beach wheelchairs on Alabama beaches are still a reality. Today Stacy and Tim Collings own Beach Power Rentals (www.BeachPowerRentals.com) which offers rental power beach wheelchair in Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan and Orange Beach. You can rent them by the day, week or month, and delivery is available for an extra charge. It’s the perfect solution for folks who have level or ramped access to a beach near their accommodations. And if you also need a beach umbrella, manual beach wheelchair, a scooter or a shower chair, they can deliver those too.

Additionally, they can make adjustments to the power beach wheelchairs based on individual needs. They can mount the joystick on either side, or take it off to allow a companion to steer it. They can also adjust the length, height, width and rotation of the footrests. And if there are other adjustments that you need, just let the folks at Beach Power Rentals know, and they will do their best to make it happen.

So get ready to hit the beach in a power wheelchair on your next Gulf Shores visit.

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Miami Beach Wheelchair Access

Miami Beach Wheelchair Access

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Miami Beach

Miami Beach wheelchair access just got a little bit better, thanks to the availability of loaner beach wheelchairs and the installation of Mobi-Mats and swim ropes.

Power and manual beach wheelchairs are available for loan at Beach Patrol Headquarters at 1001 Ocean Drive, and the Beach Patrol location at South Pointe Park. They are available on a first-come basis from 9 AM to 6 PM from February to October, and from 9 AM to 4:30 PM from November to January. Although there’s no charge to use the beach wheelchairs, visitors are asked to leave something of value (drivers license, wheelchair, etc.) as a security deposit, to ensure the return of the equipment.

The manual beach wheelchairs can go into water up to six inches deep, but the power beach wheelchairs, cannot enter the water. For more information, or to check on the availability of the beach wheelchairs, call (305) 673-7714.

Miami Beach also has Mobi-Mats installed at a number of their beaches. These hard-surfaced mats allow slow walkers and wheelchair-users to travel over sandy sections and offer barrier-free access to the beach.  Additionally, a number of beaches are also equipped with swim ropes. For more information, and details about the Mobi-Mat and swim rope locations, visit www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/public-works/ada/beach-wheel-chair-access/. So get out and enjoy the improved Miami Beach wheelchair access.

Wheelchair-Accessible Thailand Villas

Wheelchair-Accessible Thailand Villas

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Hua Hin Beach

Located in Hua Hin, these two wheelchair-accessible Thailand villas are a great holiday choice. Villa Coconut Grove and Villa Si Daeng both have two bedrooms and two adapted bathrooms. They each can accommodate up to six adults. Access features include a level entry, wide doorways, good pathway access and tiled floors for easy rolling. The bathrooms include a Continental shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead, and a fold-down shower seat. There are fold-down grab bars on both sides of the toilets, and the sinks have wrapped pipes and plenty of room for a wheelchair to roll under them.

Villa Coconut Grove and Villa Si Daeng

Villa Coconut Grove is located at the end of a dead-end street, in a small complex of 10 villas. It includes a large living area and a fully equipped kitchen, with level access out to the covered veranda surrounded by a tropical garden. The adjacent terrace includes a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi that can be accessed by a pool lift. It’s also just a short walk or roll to the beach, a mall, a bakery and a number of restaurants.

Villa Si Daeng is also located on a dead-end street, in the middle of a row of five houses. It has an open floor plan with a living area and a kitchen, and a spacious veranda. The pool and Jacuzzi can be accessed by a lift or stairs. As an added bonus, many small restaurants are located nearby, and the villa is about one kilometer from the beach.

Both of the villas come with a lot of extra adaptive equipment, including hospital beds, shower wheelchairs, patient lifts and beach wheelchairs. Dinner is included on the first night, and there’s also a free grocery package for breakfast the next day. Wheelchair-accessible airport transfers and local transportation in an accessible van can also be arranged; and a personal care assistant can be provided for an additional charge. Villa Coconut Grove also comes with a housekeeper and free laundry service.

Truly they’ve thought of everything at these wheelchair-accessible Thailand villas. For more information, visit www.accessiblethailand.info/, or e-mail contact@accessiblethailand.info.