Hello, my name is Kevin Cooper. I am the representative for the Adaptive Division of United States of America Snowboard Association. USASA offers full competition in alpine and freestyle events for adaptive riders. I have also been coordinating adaptive snowboard camps since 2000. These “learn to ride” camps offer the adaptive community a unique opportunity to ride together and gain from new experiences.
People with all various types of permanent physical disabilities are able to make snowboarding work for them. Below-knee and above-knee amputees ride with a little rigging to their prosthetic and sometimes using outriggers. People with partial paralysis can use restrictive knee braces and outriggers to shred down the hill. Paraplegics snowboard with a dope ride called a “sit n’ jib”, which is kind of like a mono ski. Blind snowboarders are shredding with and without the help of a guide. Arm amputees are also snowboarding in much the same fashion as able-bodied folks. These methods are tried and true. I am sure that a lot of you have already working them out. It just takes the right attitude and a little trial and error.