Living life as a power wheelchair user, my beach visits haven't always been the easiest experiences. My everyday power chair is too heavy to drive directly in the sand without getting stuck, and until fairly recently, there hasn't been a lot of beach access that's either paved to a mat for me to drive on to get near the water. But all of that changed when I became the owner of a Magic Mobility Extreme X8 all-terrain power wheelchair. This chair has given me so much more freedom and enjoyment at beach destinations. I can't even list all the ways it's improved my vacations, but here are some of the top reasons I love using this chair for beach getaways!
Peace of Mind
Before getting my Extreme X8, I would cringe every time my family would mention going to the beach. I wondered how I could enjoy it like everyone else. Would my mom have to carry me down to the sand? Would I need to rent a manual beach wheelchair that is way too large for me, and that I can't sit upright in without being strapped with velcro? Would my mom tire out trying to push me across the bumpy sand, when it's hot and humid and really uncomfortable for me anyway?
But not anymore; my worries are gone. I now have peace of mind in knowing that once I arrive at the beach, I will have my own customized beach wheelchair that I am able to comfortably drive and sit upright with an appropriate seat belt. I actually look forward to going now and have the peace of mind in knowing that my experience can be enjoyed in my chair, and I have the independence to drive myself. It is very rewarding knowing that my independence with this chair gives me the freedom to enjoy the wind in my hair and the sunshine on my face.
Feeling Included
One of the best features of my Extreme X8 is the feeling of inclusion that it gives me at the beach. I can now go on those beach "walks" with my family and friends and not feel left out, or feel any different with having to be pushed. Also, if my family wants to lay out in the sun and I want to go for a stroll along the shore, I can do that as well. I can totally be just like everyone else when enjoying the day on the sand.
I also like the fact that his chair is strong, and I am able to assist with pulling along beach toys in a wagon if needed. Feeling included doesn't always mean just for the fun stuff, it also means feeling included in pulling my weight and helping with the chores to bring the fun play items to the beach as well.
Being Able to Relax
This chair is comfortable! The Extreme X8 is fitted for me, customized to my needs, and it even has the tilt feature added. I can actually relax at the beach without having to be transferred and manhandled into another chair. I also love that I can use my tilt feature to enjoy the sunshine on my face, while listening to the sounds of the waves lapping the shore.
This chair has brought me more relaxing days at the beach than I could've even dreamed in my regular wheelchair, or from a rented beach chair. It is mine, and fits me perfectly. I love that it has the side lateral that I need to sit upright comfortably.
Seeing More Ocean Than I've Ever Seen
The Extreme X8 has taken me further along the seashore than I've ever gone before. Before getting this chair, those bulky beach wheelchairs were too heavy to be pushed very far, and were highly uncomfortable for me. But with this chair, I can now sit comfortably for hours at the beach and stroll along the ocean for such a long stretch.
I can no go on seashell hunts with my family & friends and watch the little seagulls as they run across the sand, getting chased by the lapping waves on the shoreline. Just being able to be comfortable, sit upright, and drive myself along the sand has truly given me a whole new perspective when seeing the ocean.
Heightening My Thrill-Seeking Senses
With my new Extreme X8, I feel like a daredevil. I'm no longer afraid of getting stuck or tossed around when traversing the sandy shore. I can now roll over hills and mounds of sand, and enjoy a day at the beach just like everyone else.
Now, when I see hills of sand, I no longer ask to be pushed the other direction or to turn back to the flat, easy terrain. I am now rolling full speed ahead, seeking the experience of rolling up and downhill, wanting nothing more than to feel the rush of adrenaline flow through my veins.
If you use a wheelchair and have ever felt like the beach isn't the place for you, it's time to look into getting the Magic Mobility Extreme X8 for yourself. I am truly blown away at the difference, not only in my attitude of facing a beach day, but also at the boost for my self-esteem in knowing that I can now enjoy a day on the sand just like everyone else.
About the author
After being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at the age of two, Cory Lee's thirst for adventure never ceased. He went on many trips around the U.S. when he was younger, and then started taking things internationally when he turned 15. Since then, Cory has traveled to 21 countries across six continents, all while managing to start up his travel blog Curb Free with Cory Lee, where he shares his accessible, and sometimes not-so-accessible travel adventures with others. Cory is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA). He has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, in a nationwide segment for CBS News, Lonely Planet, and many others. His blog won the 2017 Best Travel Blog Gold Lowell Thomas Award. He hopes to inspire other wheelchair users to roll out of their comfort zone and see all of the beauty that the world has to offer.
Cory Lee's ride is a QUICKIE Q500 M.
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