ed us.
THE DEEP SECTION At one point, the water rose to my chest. Suddenly, the fun became serious. The Extreme Motus chair does float, but it’s also top-heavy, which means if I slipped on a rock and let go, Sam could tip over. I hesitated, weighing the risks, when a group of fellow hikers approached. Once again, strangers stepped in, eager to be part of the adventure. I explained the situation, and they each took a side of the chair, steadying it as we pushed through the gently moving river together. Moments like these happen often. People want to help. And for them, lending a hand isn’t an inconvenience—it becomes a highlight of their own Zion experience. By the time we emerged on the other side, they were smiling as wide as Sam was. WHAT PEOPLE SEE (AND DON’T SAY) Later, when I was editing the video of our hike, I noticed some- thing funny. In the background of nearly every shot, other hikers had stopped walking to watch us. They stared as our little band of misfits—me, Sam, Dave, and the floating Extreme Motus—rolled past them. In the moment, I was too focused to notice. But watching later, it made me laugh. Maybe on our next adventure we should bring a flag that reads: “It’s okay to ask about our all-terrain wheelchair.” Because i it looks like there are a lot of questions in the back- ground of this video. THE SOUNDTRACK OF THE NARROWS What makes The Narrows unforgettable isn’t just the visuals— it’s the sounds. The rush of water over rocks. The echo of voices bouncing off canyon walls. The occasional birdcall or rustle of leaves overhead. For a while, you forget the world outside exists. Sam and I moved through it all together, sometimes in silence, sometimes laughing, always aware that this wasn’t just another hike. It was proof. Proof that with the right equipment and a little creativity, one of the most famous hikes in America could be ac- cessible to wheelchair users.
INCLUSION MEANS GOING EVERYWHERE TOGETHER The story of Extreme Motus is about more than a piece of equipment. It’s about breaking down barriers—physical, social, and emotional—that keep people with mobility challenges from fully participating in life. The power of the Extreme Motus chair extends beyond help- ing Sam to be included. It has opened up the our friendship to new outdoor possibilities. It has allowed his family to plan vaca- tions without worrying if the destination has sidewalks. The most beautiful locations on our world aren’t paved. They are located in special protected places. Nature preserves, Nation- al and State parks. And all those places can be made accessible with the right piece of mobility equipment. Through the history of the company, the innovation of the wheelchair, and the adventures Sam and I have shared, the mes- sage is clear: accessibility is possible. Adventure is possible. Inclu- sion is possible. If you’d like to learn more or request a demo of the all-ter- rain wheelchair, visit ExtremeMotus.com. Together, we can keep opening the outdoors—for everyone.
YouTube Video: Zion National Park Adventure https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95kLS-skeKs
39
October / November, 2025 | www.closingthegap.com/membership Closing The Gap © 2025 Closing The Gap, Inc. All rights reserved.
BACK TO CONTENTS
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator