AAS "Veterans in Action" Learn to Ride and Race Camp

Competitive adaptive snowboarding has progressed in leaps and bounds over the past decade. With the Paralympics as an end goal, Adaptive Action Sports continues to forge the way with unique programming.

On February 24-26, 2011, with a grant from Disabled Sports USA and support from the Paralympics, AAS hosted the first annual “Veterans in Action” (AAS’ New Veteran Specific Programming) Learn to Ride and Race Pipeline Camp at Sierra at Tahoe “Snowboard” Resort. The camp, designed as one of AAS’ new Pipeline series, focused on teaching snowboard fundamentals and race techniques to wounded veterans.  “A participant may enter at any skill level and work to increase his/her on-snow skill set. Each rider’s personal goals will vary but the ultimate goal perhaps, is landing a spot the US Adaptive Snowboard Team, once Para-Snowboarding is recognized as a Paralympic event” says Daniel Gale Executive Director and Co-Founder of AAS.

Six veterans and two civilians participated in AAS’ inaugural three day camp.  Training culminated with the option of participating in a USASA Regional Adaptive Boarder X race, which coincided with the camp’s last day.  Veterans in Action camper Tanner Kuth took third in the race. “I’m not the fastest yet, but I am ready to get after it,” single below knee amputee Tanner stated after receiving his bronze medal.

“I have no fear coming down the mountain” were Chris Bain’s words during Thursday’s practice. On Saturday, after spending snow time with single below knee amputee and AAS Advocate/Mentor Evan Strong, Chris -- who was injured by an RPG (rocket propelled grenade) -- proved himself by bringing home a Gold medal from the USASA Men’s Adaptive Division.  “He’s really fast and has a great attitude towards life,” Evan said of Chris.   

James Tidwell, who lives with limited mobility from an IED (improvised explosive device), was on hand to gather a silver medal crossing the finish line just behind Bain.  

Gary Nolte an expert kayaker from Kentucky attended the program to try snowboarding for the first time. Not one to give up easily after incurring serious back injuries and loosing sight in one eye from small arms fire Gary pushed himself to the limit while in Tahoe. We look forward to seeing Gary again at future AAS programs.

Bethany Wolf, who was snowboarding with a spinal cord L2 through S1 fusion, looked like a natural. After spending some time with AAS Coach and Program Coordinator Chris “Kep” Koeppe, Beth was linking turns all the way down the slope.

Jasmine Perry, a single below knee amputee, attended the AAS Pipeline camp to build on the skills she learned at this year’s DSUSA Breckinridge Ski Spectacular.  There, she was coached by double below knee amputee, Amy Purdy.  Amy, AAS’ Co-Founder and Development Director, is currently ranked as the top Adaptive Female Snowboarder in the world.  Amy worked with Jasmine on intermediate skills during the Sierra Pipeline camp.

Other instruction and coaching was provided during the camp by Sierra at Tahoe Instructor/Coach Rob Ross and Daniel Gale. 

The South Lake Tahoe community chipped in to help make this first Veterans in Action camp a success with local businesses providing great support.  “Tahoe’s Boutique Resort,” The Inn by the Lake, provided complimentary accommodations for all of the Veterans and AAS camp staff. Dan Mchale, owner of the Inn, said:  “It was an honor to give back to those that gave so much for us.”  Dan also arranged a no-cost evening for the participants and staff at Tahoe Bowl and Blue Dog Pizza.  Check out www.innbythelake.com for your next Tahoe trip.

President Sean Raftree of Ski Butlers Lake Tahoe generously donated snowboards and helmets for each camper to use during the program. For information on ski and snowboard rentals in Lake Tahoe, visit www.skibutlers.com/heavenly-tahoe-ski-rentals . 

Montbleu Casino and Resort invited the group to have a meal at the buffet and watch a live mixed martial arts fight in the showroom.   JP and Barbra Tenney from Apres Wine Co. hosted the vets for an evening of appetizers and a sip of wine.  Harrah’s Casino saved a VIP booth at their exclusive night club,Vex, for the AAS group to celebrate the last camp evening.

Additional sponsors, also deserving thanks, include Sierra at Tahoe Snowboard Resort, Coal Headwear, Udo’s Oil, Vans, Protec Helmets and the United States of America Snowboard Association.

For more information about upcoming AAS Veterans in Action programs or to learn how to help our amazing warriors return to “action,” visit www.adacs.org, email info@adacs.org or call 619-770-0240.

Click below for news articles on the Sierra at Tahoe Camp.

http://www.laketahoenews.net/2011/02/disabled-veterans-prove-their-abilities-on-sierras-slopes/

http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/article/20110226/NEWS/110229908&parentprofile=search

 Right to left; Chris Bain, James Tidwell and Tanner Kuth get poised to race!

Apre Ski Wine Co owner Barbra Tenney and Amy Purdy share a sip of wine after hours.

 Coach Kep working with Gary Nolte on some fundamentals of snow sliding..

 Amy Purdy, Tanner Kuth and Daniel Gale staying warm under the helmet with Oil The Machine beanies.

 The Abominable Kep Dog!

 Jasmine Perry, Gary Nolte and James Tidwell staging before a day of riding.

 

This was the real deal. The guy in the red got knocked out...

 The boys got to meet the number gals from the fight!

 The nerves are starting to build! I love racing!

 

Al Vano schooling the ranks before the gates start dropping!

 AAS Executive Director Daniel Gale isn't scared to race (center "black n yellow..")! Snowboarders for snowboarders that's what we say! 3rd Place that day....

 Evan Strong putting it on the line to reel em in (far right)..

Amy Purdy looking purdy coming down the mountain!

 Chris Bain defying Newtons law!

Staying low is crucial!

Tanner Kuth in his competitive depute! 3rd place on the day!

Left to Right; Gary Nolte wood worker extraordinaire, Rob Ross Sierra at Tahoe/AAS Boarder X Coach, Chris Bain the Man with the Silver Tongue and Chef Evan Strong plot to take over the world!

 Evan breakin a piece off!! Literally. Snapped pylon!

Beth Wolf looks shocked!

But have no fear Scott from Ultra Prosthetic is on site with his tool box!

 Scott, giving Evan a hand....er foot.........whatever!

 Chest of robot parts...

 Tanner getting a fresh set of tires.

 Tanner giving us some parting words to live by!

AAS Skaters on FUEL TV!

Early this year AAS L.A. Sector Program Director and AAS Advocate Oscar Loreto and Steven Lutz spent some quality time at Camp Woodward in P.A. As featured skaters on Fuel T.V.'s award winning show "Camp Woodward" Oscar and Steven, both below knee amputees, put themselves to the test at the one of a kind skate facility. Oscar who is an accomplished skateboarder, currently sponsored by Element Skateboards, gave Steven one on one coaching and support. Click here to watch the Fuel T.V. Camp Woodward Segment! 

Visit www.adacs.org for more information about Adaptive Action Sports and our amazing skateboarders including the Adaptive Skateboard Jam at the ESPN X Games.

World Record wheelchair front flip!

So proud of ya Aaron! Way to show the world how to Live Beyond Limits!




Nitro Circus Live - World Record - Aaron 'Wheelz' Fotheringham Front Flip
Aaron "Wheels" Fotheringham, Wheelchair front flip, Nitro Circus front flip, nitro circus wheelchair, Aaron Fotheringham

Adaptive Action Sports and ESPN Winter X Games!

Competitive adaptive snow-sports, including snowmobiling and snowboarding, have progressed in leaps and bounds over the past decade. For snowboarding, with the Paralympics as a long-range goal, the United States has helped to forge the way.

This winter at X Games 15 in Aspen Colorado, Adaptive Action Sports brought a ground breaking event to life: Adaptive Snowboarder X. Partnering with the X Games AAS invited six of the top ranked adaptive snowboarders in the world to compete in an all-out race to the bottom. Evan Strong, Mike Shea and Dan Monzo were among the competitors. They finished in first, second and third places.
Click here to read more info from the event!

Evan Strong's Winter X Games 15 Gold Medal Boardercross run!

2011 FRENCH ADAPTIVE WORLD CUP

On February 3rd and 4th Adaptive Snowboarders (Para-snowboarders) from seven different countries hit the slopes at Orcières 1850 to compete for Gold in back to back WSF Para-Snowboard World Cups hosted by Orcières 1850, the French Snowboard Initiative, My Snowboarding, and WSF.



Adaptive Action Sports sponsored 2 athletes to compete and both returned the favor by bringing home the Golds! Adaptive Action Sports Co-founder double leg amputee Amy Purdy brought home golds on both days of competition with single leg amputee Nicole Roundy coming in only 1 second behind her on the 2nd race day. AAS Advocate Single Leg Amputee Evan Strong won Gold both days as well with Canadian Tyler Mosher coming in just .06 seconds behind him.


Results from the Men’s Category
GOLD: Evan Strong (USA)
SILVER: Tyler Mosher (CAN)
BRONZE: Keith Gabel (USA)



Results from the Women’s Category
GOLD: Amy Purdy (USA)
SILVER: Nicole Roundy (USA)
BRONZE: Fabienne Sava Pelosse (FRA)

The Orcières 1850 2011 WSF Para-Snowboard World Cups were produced by Orcières 1850, the French Snowboard Initiative, My Snowboarding, and the WSF. This was the first stop on the WSF Para-Snowboard World Cup circuit for the 2011 season. Para-Snowboarders from around the globe will continue their race for Gold at the next scheduled WSF Para-Snowboard World Cups scheduled to take place at Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada from April 7 to 9th, 2011.

AAS In Crested Butte!

All of the preparation will soon pay off! Winter X Games 15 and our historic Adaptive Snowboarder X is only two days away. Before the event kicks off AAS Development Director/Co-Founder and Athlete Amy Purdy, AAS volunteer and Veteran Matt Colvin and myself made time to travel to Crested Butte, my old stomping ground during college, for a little pregame warm up. We're staying with AAS Coach and Friend Chris "Kep" Koeppe. Today, after some work, we spent a half day riding the hill and capturing a little bit of fresh footage. Crested Butte is the best mountain in the country! Hands down! It's been to long since my last visit and opportunity to lay down some lines on the steepest lift accessible terrain in the country. We found some fresh tracks and explored the parks.

We followed up a fantastic day of snow shredding with a 16" pizza pie at the Secret Stash; so good! We may venture out for a drink or two before nodding off. I love this town from top to bottom. If you haven't been, go! It's a wonderful total experience.

Daniel Gale

Adaptive Action Sports
Executive Director/Co-Founder
ESPN X Games Sports Organizer

Stay tuned for news from Winter X Games 15.

Adaptive Snowboarder X and Adaptive Snocross @ the ESPN X Games!!

Competitive adaptive snow-sports including snowmobiling and snowboarding -- or snowboarding for the disabled -- have progressed in leaps and bounds over the past decade. For adaptive snowboarding, with the Paralympics as an end goal, the United States has forged the way.
...
In 2005, Adaptive Action Sports (AAS) -- a nationally- recognized California nonprofit that creates “action sports” opportunities for disabled athletes, worked with the United States of America Snowboard Association (USASA) to create a competitive “adaptive” division within the USASA schedule. The adaptive division grew and, in 2008, USASA -- in partnership with AAS -- hosted the first-ever Adaptive World Championship of Snowboarding. This event was sanctioned by the World Snowboard Federation (WSF). It marked a turning point for the growing sport, triggering worldwide involvement and fueling a push for the Paralympics.

In 2014, in Sochi Russia, the international adaptive snowboarding community hopes to bring a new sport to the Paralympic Games: Adaptive Boardercross or “Para-Snowboarding” as it has been called. To help prepare adaptive riders (including veterans) for this goal, AAS has created a Pipeline of programs and camps. The programs/camps are intended as a pathway through which a permanently disabled snowboarder progresses from one skill level to another. Novices may become recreational snowboarders, who may become competitive racers. Some will eventually emerge onto the Paralympic scene.

Through the AAS Pipeline, campers are given snowboard instruction at their appropriate skill level. They are introduced -- and given access -- to USASA regional events. They are encouraged to participate in the annual USASA National Competition. Pipeliners may elect to compete in a sanctioned World Cup/Championship event and ultimately, with some help, they may enter the Paralympic Games.

In support of the AAS Pipeline concept and the goal of seeing Adaptive Snowboarding included in the Paralympics, ESPN X Games is partnering with AAS, to host the first Adaptive Snowboarder X at Winter X Games 15 in Aspen, Colorado, on January 30th. Being recognized by, and included in, the ESPN Winter X Games – the premiere and largest “action sports” competition in the world – will provide adaptive snowboarding a major boost in the effort for Sochi 2014. Click here to read more from the ESPN Action Sports Website:

http://sports.espn.go.com/action/snowboarding/news/story?id=5960466

Additional to the Snowboarder X AAS will also act as the Co-Sports Organizer for the 3rd Adaptive Snowcross Finals at Winter X Games 15. This exciting side by side snowmobile race will feature 6 riders including Jim Wazny a single above knee amputee. Click here to read more about Jim on the ESPN Action Sports website:

http://espn.go.com/action/xgames/blog/_/post/5930571/adaptive-medalist-wazny-enables-others

Official Athlete Invite Lists

Adaptive Snowboarder X

Evan Strong
Ian Lockey
Dan Monzo
Tyler Mosher
Mike Shea
Keith Deutsch

Adaptive Snocross Finals

Jesse Gildea
Doug Henry
Chris Heppding
Mike Schultz
Jeff Tweet
Jim Wazny

For more information about AAS and our programs please visit www.adacs.org or contact Adaptive Action Sports at info@adacs.org. For more information regarding adaptive events at the ESPN X Games please contact X Games Sport Organizer and AAS Executive Director/Co-Founder Daniel Gale at daniel@adacs.org. For media and sponsorship inquiries please contact AAS Development Director and Co-Founder Amy Purdy.

Adaptive Action Sports “Learn to Ride and Race Camps"

Are you a disabled veteran? Do you have a competitive edge? Do you love snowboarding or have you always wanted to learn? This winter, AAS is offering Pipeline Learn to Ride and Race Snowboard Camps for military personnel and veterans who have been permanently disabled in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. The first of these programs will be held at Sierra at Tahoe, a world renowned snowboard destination in South Lake Tahoe, CA, from February 24th to the 26th, 2011.

AAS has provided adaptive snowboard camps since 2005, leading the way for disabled athletes everywhere. Based on our unparalleled past achievements, these 2011 camps initiate AAS’ new and exciting Pipeline concept that provides a pathway to competitive snowboarding for any level rider. The 2011 camps will provide in-depth instruction by a Certified Snowboard Instructor on a USASA-sanctioned course for two days preceding an official USASA Regional race. Experienced AAS staff and volunteers, working under the direction of the Certified Instructor, will provide coaching. AAS volunteers and USASA “Adaptive” Gold Medalists Evan Strong and Amy Purdy will be on hand to offer advice. On the third day of camp, AAS campers will compete among themselves and will be encouraged, but not required, to participate in the “adaptive” division of the coinciding USASA competition. All competitions are intended to provide fun for, and build confidence in, Pipeline campers.

AAS Learn to Ride and Race Camps 2011

Program 1:
Feb 24-26, Sierra at Tahoe Ski Resort, South Lake Tahoe (travel on 23 & 27) Boarder X

Program 2:
April 1-8, Copper Mountain Colorado, USASA Nationals

Please contact us for additional information regarding sign up and grant opportunities.

Pipeline Camps - info@adacs.org

AAS is a nonprofit organization that relies on the generous support of individuals and sponsorships. To learn more about the AAS mission, its incredible athletes, one of a kind programs and how you can help, please visit www.adacs.org or www.facebook.com/adaptiveactionsports. For general questions, please contact us at info@adacs.org or call 619-770-0240. For sponsorship or media inquiries, please contact AAS Development Director, Amy Purdy, at amy@adacs.org.

Photo courtesy of Aaron Shultz

Amy Purdy and AAS on CNN!!

Our snowboard programs got a jump-start December 5-11 when Amy Purdy, Daniel Gale and Evan Strong (all volunteer AAS staff) were invited by Disabled Sports – USA to coach wounded warriors attending the DSUSA Hartford Ski Spectacular in Breckenridge, CO. It was honor to meet all of the attending veterans including Ryan Winter, Mathew Kinsey and Josh Wege who received one on one instruction by AAS staff.

Amy, a double below knee amputee herself, had the privilege of working with Josh, also a double below knee amputee. With years of riding experience under her belt and numerous insider tips she assisted Josh in exceeding his snowboarding goals for the week.

Besides helping disabled vets experience the thrill of snowboarding, AAS received an added bonus from its involvement in the Spectacular. CNN was on-site and filmed a segment on Amy (AAS Athlete, Co-Founder and Development Director). Chosen as one of CNN’s “Break Through Women,” Amy was followed for a day by a film crew as she worked with Josh and others attending the Ski Spectacular. The segment appeared on HLN: Morning Express with Robin Meade, twice a day Friday, Dec. 24 and Dec. 26. If you missed it click here:

http://mxp.blogs.cnn.com/2010/12/24/amy-purdy-adaptive-action-athlete-and-breakthrough-woman/

AAS is a charitable non-profit organization that relies on the generous support of individuals and sponsorships. To learn more about the AAS mission, its’ incredible athletes, one of a kind programs and how you can help, please visit www.adacs.org or www.facebook.com/adaptiveactionsports. For general questions please contact us at info@adacs.org or call 619-770-0240. For sponsorship or media inquiries please contact AAS Development Director, Amy Purdy, at amy@adacs.org.

End of year challenge to AAS athletes and supporters!

AAS has been offered a $5,000 challenge grant. That means any dollar you donate to AAS until December 31, 2010 will be matched up $5,000.00 by one of our private donors! We challenge you to help raise the match!

This winter, AAS is offering two 3-day Pipeline Camps for military personnel and veterans who have been permanently disabled in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. The events will be held at Sierra at Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe, CA, on January 21-23 and February 24-26, 2011.

Photo courtesy of Aaron Schultz at the AAS Windells Snowboard Camp http://www.aaronschultz.com/

Although AAS has provided Adaptive Snowboard Clinics since 2005, these 2011 camps initiate AAS’ new Pipeline concept. The AAS Pipeline provides a pathway for permanently disabled individuals to develop their snowboarding skills from beginner to expert levels. Disabled individuals can enter the Pipeline at any level. Continuity is the keystone. Outcomes will include increased availability of exciting snowboarding experiences. The results will be enjoyment, increased healthy life styles and increased expectations for the potential of disabled individuals.

Funds raised will be used to extend our exciting new 2011 Pipeline Learn to Ride and Race Snowboard Camps for Wounded Warriors to include a chance for partici-pants to compete in the USASA Nationals in March. Funds will also be used to expand the Pipeline to include non-military disabled snowboarders.


(Adaptive Snowboard Coaches at DSUSA Ski Spectacular including AAS’ Evan, Amy and Dan)

Our snowboard programs got a jump-start December 5-11 when Dan, Amy and Evan (all volunteer AAS staff) were invited by Disabled Sports – USA to coach wounded warriors attending the DSUSA Hartford Ski Spectacular in Breckenridge, CO. Besides helping disabled vets experience the thrill of snowboarding, AAS received an added bonus from its involvement in the Spectacular. CNN was on-site and filmed a segment on AAS Co-Founder Amy Purdy. The segment will appear on CNN’s series “Breakthrough Women” twice a day on December 24 and 26.

Any amount you can contribute will be helpful. We will send a receipt to you which will make your donation tax-deductible, if appropriate.

Donate at www.adaptiveactionsports.blogspot.com. Also visit www.adacs.org.

STUDIO 21 TATTOO TO HOST SAILOR JERRY CLASSIC TATTOO TRIBUTE + ART SHOW + FUNDRAISER FOR AAS

On Sunday, November 21 from 5 – 9 p.m., Studio 21 Tattoo will host a throw-back event honoring classic tattoo artist, Sailor Jerry. This event is free and open to the public.

At the tribute, guests are invited to check-out original takes on Sailor Jerry art pieces created by local and national tattoo artists; a classic car show and a mock drive-in movie theatre style viewing of Hori Smoku, a documentary of a staple in the tattoo industry, the original madd man himself, Sailor Jerry.

Jerry Sailor’s Rum will be on hand to offer tastings in an array of different cocktails and shots for the attendees, along with some wild giveaways and raffle prizes from Studio 21 Tattoo Gallery, Sailor Jerry Rum and Element Skateboards. A percentage of proceeds will be donated to Adaptive Action Sports (AAS), a non-profit co-founded by Las Vegas native Amy Purdy.

AAS creates action sports opportunities through camps, events and clinics for individuals living with permanent physical disabilities. AAS is currently working hard to create a new sport in the Paralympics; Snowboarding. For more information on AAS and to find out how you can help please visit www.adacs.org.

The event will kick off the month-long art display that locals can view at Studio 21 Tattoo Gallery, Inc, 7 days a week from November 21 – December 21 from 12 – 9 p.m. For more information regarding the event or about Studio 21 Tattoo, please contact owner Austin Spencer at 702-521-4695 or by email at studio21tattoo@earthlink.net.

Extreme Moms go "Airborn for Adaptive Action Sports!"

The Extreme Moms organization ( www.extrememoms.org) out of Milwaukee are going Airborne for Adaptive Action Sports!

That's right on November 7th 2010 this amazing group headed up by Extreme Mom Sarah Minella will be skydiving to raise funds and awareness of Adaptive Action Sports! If you would like to make a donation towards this cause please click on the donate button below! If you would like to watch video of their amazing jump on this Fox 6 Morning show click on the link below!
http://www.fox6now.com/witi-extreme-moms-skydive-for-chari-110810,0,4464632.story

AAS Is an official 501c3 organization as recognized by the Federal Government. Visit www.irs.gov for details. For additional information regarding AAS, please contact us at info@adacs.org or call 619-770-0240

WInter is Coming

Adaptive Action Sports (AAS) is continuing to work hard towards the international goal of creating a new sport for the 2014 Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russia: parasnowboarding! Since 2005, AAS' unique and original programs have been helping to pave the way for significant progression in the adaptive snowboard community and our collective Paralympic goal. From the first World Championship event ever, sanctioned by the WSF in 2008, to our world class boardercross camps at Sierra at Tahoe ski resort in Lake Tahoe, we are making great strides. Make sure to stay tuned to the AAS website for updates on our winter programs at www.adacs.org and visit the "Support AAS" page to donate to our cause. We are excited to announce that the US Paralympic Committee has endorsed and agreed to help AAS with our bid for a World Cup/Championship event at USASA Nationals this season. Cross your fingers that we get approval to host! There are grants available! To those interested in attending any of our events please contact us at info@adacs.org for information on grant opportunities. We look forward to a wonderful winter season and hope to see everyone soon.

THANK YOU AND IMAGES FROM THE AAS ADAPTIVE EVENTS AT THE ESPN X GAMES 2010!

ADAPTIVE ACTION SPORTS once again organized the Adaptive Super X and Superpark Jam at the ESPN SUMMER X GAMES! The Skaters, Moto X and BMX riders were amazing both riding in front of a packed house! During the Adaptive SkateJam a Backflip was landed! In the Adaptive Super X "Monster" Mike Shultz and Sempie Eramus both took home gold in the amputee and para classes. We are so proud of everyone involved, how hard they trained and how great they all rode! We also cannot thank our staff and volunteers enough! Thank you to Kep and Matt for your work and support! To our intern and booth manager Devin who kep the AAS booth going and donations flowing all week and to all of the booth and on dirt volunteers! Thank you to our Sponsors who help us make this event happen, Extremity Games Network, Challenged Athletes Foundation, Element Skateboards and VANS... We couldn't do this without you!!! ~ AMY and DANIEL