"Onward & Upward" with OAR = One Armed Rig

OAR = One Armed Rig: an adaptive device/tool for people with physical disabilities/challenges (such as amputation or partial paralysis of the body caused by stroke) who want to paddle a kayak and enjoy the great outdoors.

Monday, February 12, 2007

Adaptive Paddling Devices: the OAR and outriggers/pontoons

These photographs of Bruce were taken at Nanaimo's Brechin Marina (near the Departure Bay BC Ferry terminal) in the summer of 2006. Bruce was kind enough to give my dad and me a free demo of his kayak rigged with the OAR (One Armed Rig) - an adaptive tool/device that helps a person paddle a kayak with one arm - as well as pontoons (outriggers) for increased boat stability. For more information about the OAR and/or the pontoons (outriggers), please contact Bruce Fuoco, by e-mail at bruce.fuoco@shaw.ca or by telephone at (250) 751-1824 or by mobile phone at (604) 328-1824.

Outriggers are used all over the world to increase the stability (prevent capsizing - except in the event of extreme force winds) of boats.

Bruce would like to thank all the people - friends, family and organizations - for their support:

Pacific Kayaks - located at 1910A East Wellington Rd., Nanaimo, BC, V9S 5V2 Phone: (250) 754-2400 Fax: (250) 754-6036 E-mail: info@pacifickayaks.com

Seaward Kayaks - 3107 Henry Rd., Chemainus, BC, V0R 1K4 Toll Free: 1-800-595-9755 Phone: (250) 246-2223 Fax: (250) 246-2979 E-mail: Chris@SeawardKayaks.com

Industrial Plastics & Paints - 1680 Northfield Rd., Nanaimo, BC, V9S 3A9 Toll Free: 1-800-661-6591 Phone: (250) 758-3390 Fax: (250) 758-1419 E-mail: nanaimo@ippnet.com

Nimbus Paddles - PO Box 69 Heriot Bay, BC, V0P 1H0 Phone: (250) 285-3125 Fax: (250) 285-3126 E-mail: info@nimbuspaddles.com

Bruce gives special thanks to Dave for the paddle.