The arrival of warm weather means putting those winter clothes in the shed and getting outside for some sunshine and physical activity. In a previous post, we shared adaptive sports for the winter. Changing seasons present opportunities to participate in warm-weather sports.
Tandem cycling, swimming, golf, and beep baseball are popular activities for the blind. Outlook’s Enrichment Recreational Programs understand that participation in physical activities or adaptive sports requires adaptation to equipment or instruction.
Since we are experiencing a pandemic, Outlook encourages people with visual impairments to consider these activities for the blind once they are safe and possible to participate.
Tandem cycling
Tandem cycling is social and enjoyable while providing good outdoor exercise. In addition to that great workout, tandem cycling requires teamwork, strengthening friendships, and understanding between riders.
For successful tandem cycling, find a good-quality tandem bike and a sighted captain who shares your goals and objectives. Effective communication is critical to enjoying tandem cycling.
Talking to your captain ensures that both of you understand speed, endurance, coasting, and riding style. For tips and advice, join the Outlook Tandem Bike Club or talk to others who cycle.
Golfing
Nice, sunny days are perfect for a round of golf. Sighted coaches assist blind golfers. The coach gives the golfer a course description and correct yardages and helps with club selection and proper alignment. The golfers compete with other golfers within their sight classification. The sight classifications include B-1 (no vision), B-2 (little usable vision), and B-3, (better usable vision).
Outlook Enrichment’s Annual Tee It Up Fore Sight fundraiser in June benefits Outlook Enrichment Programs. To ensure the safety of everyone involved and follow social distancing guidelines, each golfer will schedule a tee time during registration.
Swimming
Swimming is also an excellent physical activity. Swimming can be done alone or in a group setting. A swimmer can do swim exercises, water aerobics, or lap swimming as a workout. For lap swimming, you can count the number of strokes to cover one lap, slowing down as you get close to the end of your lane.
Use a lane rope for orientation, and stay in your lane as you swim. Lap swimming can be adapted using lane markers, which can be brightly colored flotation devices or ropes with flotation markers.
Place a brightly colored marker or an audio device at the end of the lane to help with turns and orientation. If you enjoy swimming in open water like the sea, lake, or river, swimming with a sighted companion for safety is critical. Swim in the direction of the waves and listen for sounds that direct you to land.
Beep baseball
One of America’s favorite pastimes is baseball. With some simple modifications, visually impaired players enjoy this beloved activity. Created in the mid-sixties, beep baseball is played with an oversized beeping softball and two buzzing bases, first and third.
All six team players wear blindfolds to equalize their vision. The sighted pitcher is on the same team as the batter. The batter hits the ball and runs to the base, which buzzes and tags it. He scores a run if he gets there before a fielder picks up the ball.
If not, he is out. Three outs, six innings, and the game is over. This physical yet fun game requires combining strength, skill, and auditory senses to focus on the beeping ball and buzzing bases.
Playing adaptive sports makes staying physically fit enjoyable. Adding some simple modifications allows full participation and engagement in sports. Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a novice, the goal is to get physical exercise and stay energized during these warm spring and summer months.
