Differently-abled athletes get creative with water sports

A storm was boiling off in the distance, but the adaptive athletes weren’t ready to come off the water yet. Sixteen-year-old Devin McLane bobbed in the water atop a wakesurf board as Jim von Normann maneuvered the vessel into position.

McLane has a rare condition called arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, or AMC for short, that causes multiple joints to develop into fixed positions. As a result, he doesn’t have much strength in his arms. But his feet? Now that’s a whole different story. With a little duct tape and some repositioning, McLane was able to hold tight to the board with his legs and off he went, cruising along the water’s surface, grinning ear to ear.

That kind of innovation is exactly what Sunday’s water sports day with Moving Forward Adaptive Sports was all about — harnessing the strengths of each individual athlete and applying those to wake boarding, tubing and wake surfing.

“For every athlete it’s so different; some get up on their first try and crush it and others it takes a few times to get up,” said Starla Hilliard-Barnes, founder of Moving Forward Adaptive Sports. “That’s the best thing for me — seeing them get up and accomplish something that they never thought possible.”

Ten differently-abled athletes from as far off as Cody, Wyoming, met at the Marina Cay Resort in Bigfork for an afternoon on the water where they had the option to try one or more of the adaptive water sports or spend that time fishing. The experience was made possible thanks to Moving Forward in partnership with Whitefish Marine, Capturing The Starz Mirror Me Photo Booth’s, Hilliard Construction and Concrete, Big Sky Electric and Adaptive Journeys — plus the volunteers who brought their boats out for the day.

“What I like most about it is just being able to get out with other people who share disabilities and who are super open to being creative ... and thinking outside the box — and not looking at you any different,” McLane said.

His mom, Michelle Eder-McLane, of Stevensville, said that these adaptive outings help her family push through difficult times.

“Without these programs ... I don’t know. Mentally, it would just be harder. I do have a great job, but sometimes money is tight. They give us the opportunity and we’re just so appreciative and grateful,” Eder-McLane said. “Days like yesterday help us get through.”

One moment in particular stood out to Eder-McLane. Her son was having some difficulty getting his fingers to grip the wakeboard handle and looked down and said “stupid fingers.”

“Stupid left leg,” von Normann replied, glancing down to his amputated limp and the two burst into laughter.

“They have this thing in common and they get it,” Eder-McLane said. “I don’t know what it’s like — it’s so cool to see good positive male role models for my son. To see him smile and just be out on the water carefree, having fun — it warms my heart knowing that he gets to be here with me. Tomorrow’s not given.”

Adaptive athletes will have two additional opportunities to explore lake water sports through Moving Forward Adaptive Sports this summer with group outings scheduled for July 19 and Aug. 9. The nonprofit also offers select private boating days too, depending on organizer and boat owner availability. Hilliard-Barnes is an adaptive athlete herself having been twice paralyzed — first in a motorcycle accident and for the second time in a car crash. But she hasn’t let her injuries hold her back from experiencing all that life has to offer, especially Montana’s great outdoors.

“Adaptive sports provide amazing opportunities for individuals who are differently-abled. It shows what they are capable of and it breaks down stereotypes,” she said. “To me, [wakeboarding] is probably one of the most incredible adaptive sports. I feel the most free when I’m on the water — It’s the closest thing to being on my motorcycle.”

In addition to the upcoming lake wate sports days, Moving Forward also offers whitewater rafting, kayaking, ziplining, wheelchair basketball and fishing.

“The world of adaptive sports is expanding to create an integrated, all-inclusive community that brings everyone together — able-bodied and adaptive athletes alike,” Hilliard-Barnes said. “As a result, we’re seeing entire communities starting to shift their focus so that adaptive athletes of all kinds can work on their wellness and achieve their goals.” ■

Editor Mackenzie Reiss can be reached at (406) 758-4433 or editor@bigforkeagle.com.