Jason Arndt, jarndt@wolfrivermedia.com
Leader Photo by Jason Arndt Matt Barber is helped out of the water by Tyler Leurquin, Travis Lukens and Ski Sharks member Alex Tessar following an adaptive skiing lesson Saturday at Wolf River Beach. The program hosted by the Ski Sharks provided training for other state skiing clubs that plan to offer adaptive water skiing.
Leader Photo by Jason Arndt From left, Shawano Ski Sharks president Dave Passehl helps Matt Barber, of Green Bay, and Richard Legois, of Burlington, during an adaptive water skiing training program Saturday at Wolf River Beach.
When the Shawano Ski Sharks unveiled adaptive water skiing last year, no one knew it would become a widely recognized program.
The Wisconsin Water Ski Federation over the winter selected the Sharks to help train other groups interested in adaptive skiing. Saturday, five teams from around the state completed the training at Wolf River Beach.
“They were looking for a host team to facilitate this training, and we were graciously selected to do that,” said Dave Passehl, president of the Ski Sharks. “We have skiers from different areas of the state — Green Bay, Wausau and even farther than that — that have come over here.”
Tyler Leurquin, 24, of the Mosinee-based Central Wisconsin Water Ski Show Team, was among the participants. Noting that the team’s boat driver is paraplegic, Leurquin said adaptive skiing gives the disabled an important opportunity.
“It gives people the ability to go out on the water and do things regardless of what their limitations are,” Leurquin said.
Matt Barber, of Green Bay, was one of a few adaptive skiers who participated Saturday. He suffered a spinal cord injury and paralysis in an accident eight years ago.
“I’ve recently just gotten into the pool, but (this was) the first time I have gotten out onto a body of water and first time on a ski,” Barber said. “No matter what your disability is, there is definitely an opportunity here for you to get out on the water and enjoy the day.”
Other teams represented at Saturday’s session were the Brown’s Lake Aquaducks, Merrimac-based Colsac Skiers, Pewaukee Lake Water Ski Club and Webfooters Water Shows Inc. based in Fremont.
Passehl said the Ski Sharks, which held their first adaptive skiing program in August, plan to add a second adaptive session this season, which opens Wednesday. The sessions will be held June 26 and Aug. 14.
Last year, the Ski Sharks brought in five members from the community to hit the water for the first time.
“I know this community has those willing to do that, and so my hope, ultimately, is to start integrating the adaptive water skiing into our show,” Passehl said. “It is safe, it is fun and we love for them to help expand our program.”
The Sharks’ efforts to build an adaptive skiing program were bolstered last year when Prime Powersports in Shawano donated a 2014 SeaDoo Spark personal watercraft, to help with fundraising.
The Ski Sharks spent $5,000 on adaptive water ski equipment, which can include items such as sit-skis, outriggers, wakeboards and shoulder slings.
Passehl said he is willing to meet with guardians, parents, social workers and directors of disability programs to discuss adaptive skiing.
“I don’t think people know how convenient it is for people to get out on the water and enjoy the freedom of doing anything that you did before being injured,” Barber said. “No matter what your disability is, there is definitely an opportunity for you to get out on the water.
The Ski Sharks provide the equipment and also pay into an insurance plan after the volunteer signs a waiver.
“We have everything they need as far as equipment goes. They only need to sign an insurance waiver, and we pick up the costs for them,” Passehl said.