VIDEO: Using a kayak hand
Last summer, our family bought our very first kayak. It’s a used ocean kayak that we knew we’d love but waited many years until we finally purchased one. We bought some kayak paddles and Jordan got a canoe paddle. She was great at it. But she wanted to do more. She wanted to be able to kayak.
So last July, we worked on Jordan’s newest helper arm and made sure she had a hand that would make it possible to kayak. It’s a Lego-hand that also has a “wrist” that moves side to side. We had to wait almost a full year, but today was the moment of truth. Jordan got her helper arm on and hopped into the kayak.
We discovered Jordan tries to dig into the water like a canoe paddle and when she does that, her hand pops out. But once she mastered a more shallow paddle style, she was really pulling her weight in the kayak. Jordan learned paddling can be hard work, but she did such an awesome job.
It’s amazing what’s being done with prosthetics, and your daughter is an inspiration!!
Thanks, Sharon! She’s a super positive force.
What an awesome girl!
On a technique note: Her paddle was feathered (the paddle ends are set at different angles) which I don’t think works as well if she doesn’t have up and down wrist action on her lego hand or if the paddle can’t rotate through the lego hand (it was hard to see from the video). I would suggest playing with keeping the paddle ends on the same plane. I think her paddle can be adjusted.
Great tip! Thanks, Judith!
Never say never, in the day to day of things most of us tell ourselves .. oh, I can’t do that, and give up before we have even tried. This cherub of yours, literally takes life with ‘both hands’ and tells life she has got it. Go Jordan!
[…] life when prosthetics are very cool. Jordan has a great “sports arm” that helps her kayak and ride her bike. Her body-powered elbow arm helps her build balance to her body’s core […]
Stopping by via your Women of Midlife shared post today. I LOVE this!