Adaptive Sports & Accessible Recreation Make for Summer Fun in the Sun

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Before the weather turns, before kids go back to school and before vacation season is officially over, there are plenty of ways to make the most out of long summer days.

For people across the ability spectrum — or who may experience functional or cognitive impairments — adaptive sports and accessible recreational activities are a great way to have fun, stay active and take advantage of being outdoors during the summer months.

“Taking advantage of adaptive sports and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities is very important,” said Mike Wehner, manager, therapeutic recreation at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. “It provides access to nature and expands your social circle, and positively impacts physical and mental health. Being physically active is one of the most direct ways you can improve your quality of life.”

Here are five activities to add to the summer bucket list:

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Adaptive sailing programs, available nationwide through sailing clubs and various organizations, are designed to offer accessible experiences in which participants can gain new skills, confidence and self-esteem through exposure to sailing.

In adaptive sailing, boats are outfitted with modified equipment for a safe adventure on the water. For example, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab has been a longtime partner of the Judd Goldman Adaptive Sailing Foundation in Chicago. It offers individual instruction, group lessons and leisure cruises on Lake Michigan — on boats that include features such as transfer-boarding benches to assist sailors from wheelchairs to seats aboard; specialized seating, chest and waist belts for safety; and a heavier keel than a typical boat for more stability. Resources are available online to discover more about local lessons and adaptive sailing programs nationwide.

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For anglers at heart, adaptive fishing is a great catch in the summer — and a wide array of adapted equipment makes it easy for people at different levels of ability to start fishing.

Among the options available are lightweight fishing equipment to allow people to fish for longer without fatigue. Also, adapted mounts that attach to the hand, arm, chest or seat help hold fishing rods in place, which can be especially helpful for people with limited mobility in their arms or low or no handgrip. Lastly, for individuals who have experienced upper-limb loss or who have limited hand function, quiet, motorized fishing rods with button-operated electric reels make it easier to fish using only one hand.

Boat safety is also key. Adaptive anglers should seek out accessible waterways and boats equipped for adaptive fishing, with wheelchair ramps for easy boat access and stabilizing boat chairs to remain in a stable position while fishing.

There also are new adaptive fishing programs available, such as Chicago No Limits Fishing, to provide recreational fishing and boating opportunities. Now all that’s left to do is find a spot where the fish are biting …

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The National Park Service (NPS) offers an Access Pass for people to enjoy outdoor recreation and the natural splendor of the country’s parks. According to the NPS website, the Access Pass is a free, lifetime pass for “U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities” — providing admittance to all of the national parks and more than 2,000 recreational sites across the country.

Before traveling to a national park or recreation site, check online or call ahead to learn about the park’s accessibility and offerings, such as whether there accessible camping options, accessible beach areas, or wheelchairs to borrow — including hiking wheelchairs in some locations. Indiana Dunes National Park now offers wheelchair-accessible beach mats at one of its lakefront beaches, and visitors can borrow adapted beach chairs for access to the beach.

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For those with a need for speed, adaptive cycling is a fun way to spend a summer afternoon — whether it’s adaptive mountain biking through the woods, rivers and trails, or riding on paved pathways with adaptive roadcycling. In both cases, adaptive cycling builds strength and cardiovascular health.

Adaptive cycles come in many shapes and sizes, including handcycles and foot-pedaled cycles to meet a variety of physical needs. Many communities offer lessons where riders can work with experienced coaches to develop their skills, and group outings allow adaptive cyclists to ride together and make new social connections.

One note on cycling safety: always wear a helmet to prevent injury, pack water, and dress appropriately for any type of weather!

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Adaptive golf is rising in popularity. The first-ever U.S. Adaptive Open made its debut in 2022 for professional golfers — but adaptive golf is accessible to beginners as well. There are more than 5.7 million adaptive golfers in the United States, according to the National Golf Foundation, and the sport is enjoyed by people with arm, lower-limb, cognitive, visual or other impairments.

For those interested in picking up adaptive golf, an evaluation by a physician, physical therapist or golf professional is recommended to assess swing and movement. Golf lessons, or golf clinics like those available through the U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance, can help adaptive golfers work on balance, stability, strength and power output. As golfers improve their game, they can consider participating in adaptive golf tournaments that now are popping up across the country.

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Beyond these five summer activities, there are boundless opportunities for adaptive sports and recreation in all seasons — from individual activities like archery and rock climbing to group sports like wheelchair basketball, sled hockey and wheelchair rugby.  Learn more about the adaptive sports, activities and programs offered at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab for people of all ages and ability levels.