Friday, September 28, 2012

Signal Snowboards Makes Adapted Snowboard


Signal Snowboards, along with mountain bike accessory-makers Crankbrothers, worked together with the goal of getting former snowboard legend Tim Ostler back on the slopes. Injured from an accident on the half-pipe twelve years ago, the professional snowboarder was left paralyzed from the chest down.  The results of the efforts among these two crews has resulted in one of the most unique creations that has been devised in recent memory.  More information and a video after the jump.

The resulting device is a hybrid of mountain bike parts and a couple of snowboards.  A snowboard is attached to a seat (also made from snowboards) that is attached to a mountain bike suspension and a skateboard truck.  A series of outriggers consisting of mountain bike wheels are attached to metal arms that are leveraged by Tim as he uses them to stay upright.  Turning is done by leaning from side to side and there are brakes on the wheels to help Ostler stop.

As you can see in the clip below, the initial runs are a slow but things pick up very quickly.  Let us hope that this device is something that can lead to others to try adapted snowboarding.  Enjoy the clip!

No comments:

Post a Comment