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Iceland A ten person team of able bodied and disabled adventurers. Using the natural resources of Iceland’s rivers and coast line to evaluate a rage of equipment whilst at the same time look at the development process.

Summary

This diverse team consisted of coaches, therapists and designers creating an ideal environment for hot housing the development and creating a place for a strong debate for gaining a greater understanding of how equipment and opportunities can be developed through user involvement.

Expedition Aim

To provide a format for the involvement of disabled people in the development of the knowledge base concerned with accessible equipment design and expedition - field practice.

Research Aim

To broaden the knowledge base about adaptive expedition-fieldwork and adventure sport for disabled people, through the involvement of disabled people in the opportunity development process.

Objectives

Practical Design

To broaden the knowledge base about adaptive paddling techniques for paddlers with disabilities (specifically those with lower limb disabilities) in White Water Raft and Sea kayak.

• Use the current adult AQUABAC in rafting and sea kayak with a range of users in White Water Rafting and Sea Kayaking
• Undertake a similar study for the Paediatric or medium AQUABAC, which is focussed to cater specifically for the needs of people with asymmetrical sitting postures
• Prosthetics - continue the work on river appropriate lower limb prosthesis started during the 1997 Coppermine River Expedition and Israel 1998 Sea kayak expedition
• The Lite Kite continue the development of the personal flotation and body protection system using a process of user led evaluation
• Field Toilet provide an opportunity for the participants to use a prototype field toilet and waste management system, data will be used to inform the design process of a project which is still largely in the initial development stage, following the foundation research as part of the Ganges 1998-99 Expedition.

Theoretical Research

• A pilot study to evaluate data collection techniques in the field based on a people orientated data collection techniques combined with reviewing methodologies commonly used in outdoor and experiential learning.
• Look at the process of codification of coaching techniques and training in the sphere of adaptive outdoor activity leadership and coaching and how coaching development promotes meaningful opportunity development.

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