"Water skiing made me realise I could do much more than I thought I could manage."
Taster day: Friday 27 April
Course: Sunday 10 – Friday 15 June 2012
What does it involve?
The taster day and course take place at British Disabled Water Ski Association (BDWSA). Located at Heron Lake to the West of London just off the M25 (J13), the centre has over 25 years of experience in adaptive water skiing. It has purpose built accommodation a stone’s throw from the lake.
The course includes:
• One to one water ski tuition. You will be supported by experienced instructors and volunteers.
• Wheelchair skills sessions
Interested?
Contact the courses team on 0208 875 1805 or
email for more information.
Download the taster day application form (SCI participants only)
Download a course
application form (SCI participants only)
Jenny's Story
Water skiing was a sport I had never tried before and thought I would never be able to because of my health.
At the age of 12 I was diagnosed with Pilocytic Astrocytoma tumours and cysts which are all down my spinal cord. Before the tumours started affecting me I was a very active person and enjoyed Tae-Kwando, swimming, dancing and football. Over several years I had to give up the sports I loved, due to my health deteriorating. This left my social life close to non-existent, as the tumours were affecting my lower limbs leaving me to rely on crutches to walk.
During surgery on my back in 2010 I sustained an incomplete spinal cord injury at C2 and T4. I now have to use a wheelchair.
On the water ski course I got to see how people cope after their injuries. I have always been a sociable person so getting to know new people boosted my confidence.
Water skiing is scary when you first get going, but then it’s really fun. Some people took to it straight away, others (like me) improved every day. By the end of the course I could ski with one person beside me. With more practice I could ski independently.
Wheelchair skills training was provided while people were waiting for their skis, so everyone got some one to one tuition! I learnt to back wheel balance and go up kerbs.
Since the course I gained many friends, both able bodied and spinal cord injured. It left me wanting to do more sports and it has helped me to see what I can and can’t do. It also inspired me to work in the charity sector. Many people have helped me throughout my life and I’m keen to help others.