Kalamaku heads out into Kailua Bay with passengers looking for a water adventure. (Photo courtesy of Disabled Adventures Hawaii)

MEDIA RELEASE

Kona’s efforts to give disabled visitors and residents a great experience are being hailed in two national magazines, thanks to Jean Hartley, a Kona writer and founder of Disabled Adventures Hawaii.

Sports ‘n Spokes, a specialty magazine that features stories of adaptive athletes in 20 sports categories from archery to weightlifting, will be adding a little aloha this summer. 

Adaptive surfing and outrigger canoe paddling will been added to the list with the July publication of the article “Running on Water” by Hartley.

“Running on Water” follows the ocean adventures of Kona residents Rosemary Ekert and Eric Heddenberg, who have learned to relish the taste of saltwater. 

Two local organizations make a way for people with disabilities to enjoy the Kailua waters.

Brian Boshard and his Kalamaku team from Mokuaikaua Church have their outriggers in Kailua Bay the last Sunday of each month.

“Surf Day,” an event at Kahaluu Beach Parker co-sponsored by Rick Green’s Surf Lessons and Full Life, gave Ekert her first taste of riding the waves.

Also, “Wheeling Toward Accessibility” is to be published in PN’s summer edition and features Kailua Village’s efforts to make water sports accessible to all: Mobi mats, all-terrain beach wheelchairs, crane lifts, ramps, etc. 

Special mention is made of the Challenged Athletes who compete yearly in the Ironman World Triathlon Championship. Disabled Adventures Hawaii and other local organizations work together to make the community safe and accessible to locals and visitors with physical limitations.

Hartley’s Web site has 14 providers in West Hawaii who make their sport safe and accessible. “Running on Water” is Hartley’s third published article targeting people with physical disabilities.  

—  Find out more:

Disabled Adventures Hawaii: www.disabledadventureshawaii.com;  jeanmhartley@yahoo.com