AdvenChair all-terrain accessible hiking chair adventures Oregon
AdvenChair all-terrain accessible hiking chair
Geoff Babb has opened up a world of possibilities for visitors to Oregon by inventing the AdvenChair.
After suffering a stroke, Geoff discovered that the biggest obstacle to experiencing the great outdoors with his family again was not so much the limitations of his body, but his inflexible wheelchair. Not satisfied with sticking to a paved route in the great outdoors, Geoff worked with others to develop the AdvenChair. A chair that has taken Geoff off-road in Oregon and most recently, along the Great Wall of China.
While in Oregon, I had the opportunity to participate in a group adventure at Smith Rock, a jaw-droppingly beautiful state park.
Our group consisted of three wheelchair users including Geoff (AdvenChair), Kelcie (The Chronic Explorer) Kristy (Kristy Durso) and Phoenyx (Phoenyx Travels) and a team of volunteers that provided the human-power behind the AdvenChairs. The volunteers team up to do a mixture of pushing and pulling the accessible hiking chairs. The amount of people-power required depends on the trail surface and inclination of the hike.
What makes the experience with the AdvenChair richer is the collaboration with Wanderlust Tours who offer a unique brand of interpretive hikes and adventures. Thanks to the partnership, people of all ages with mobility challenges can now experience some of Oregon’s most iconic natural places with greater depth, education, and appreciation.
Knowing that there is a no one-size-fits all approach to accessibility and equipment, I was particularly impressed with the flexibility of set-up of the AdvenChair. Each member of our party had the chair adjusted to their needs and additional support is offered when needed, such as a headrest.
The footplate can either allow a user to have their legs in a raised level position or in a standard seated position.
After everyone had returned from the hike I had a go to test the suspension and comfort of the AdvenChair. I found the seat supportive and comfortable.
It’s particularly wonderful to see a group able to participate and enjoy nature together. There’s something special about bonding over such stunning scenery.
If you don’t require the AdvenChair and have off-road wheels or have a power wheelchair, I would still recommend a visit to Smith Rock State Park. Pathways are a mixture of gravel and small rocks. Without doing an ambitious trail you can still appreciate the grandeur.
If you are interested in reading more about Geoff’s story, the development of the AdvenChair or booking a tour with AdvenChair and Wanderlust Tours, visit the AdvenChair website.
If you are visiting Oregon and looking for other ways to connect with nature, you may like to read Have Wheelchair Will Travel reviews below –
