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Festival 2009 Clinics
The No Barriers Festival 2009 at Shake-A-Leg Miami is fast approaching. In this newsletter you will be introduced to some of the unique water-based clinics we are bringing to this year's festival, as well as read the full list of clinics planned. There are plenty of more details to come over the next few months. Watch for more emails and check back to our website regularly to get updates.
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Carlos Moleda and Ronnie Dickson to Lead Open-Water Swimming Clinic
 This clinic will provide an introduction to ocean swimming including tips from amputee and wheelchair swimmers, adaptations to swimming in the ocean, equipment options, hands-on instruction and demonstrations by Challenged Athelete Foundation's experienced ocean swimmers including elite above-the-knee athlete, Ronnie Dickson and four-time Ironman handcycle division World Champion, Carlos Moleda.
This clinic promises to get you in the water and make you feel comfortable swimming in open water. This will not be a "learn-to-swim" program and will be open to any physically challenged athlete who knows how to swim. Athletes who want to learn more about open-water swimming but don't want to get wet are welcome to watch the clinic. |
Learn How to Sail
Few things in life compare with sailing for its uplifting and rejuvenating effect on the spirit. Just an hour or two on the water can increase confidence, build self-esteem and foster independence.
Learn basic sailing skills such as boat maneuvering, tacking, gybing and points of sail. If you are already sailor looking to expand your skills, learn how to become a competitive sailor with Team Paradise, the Paralympic sailing team.
For the beginners, you will learn to sail on 20' Freedom Independence keelboats especially adapted to make the boat easy and comfortable for people of all abilities. Fixed seats with 5-point harness systems will secure any sailor who needs some extra trunk support. A wide cockpit and 800-pound keel also makes the vessel very stable and virtually impossible to capsize. In the learn to beginning clinics, you will learn about and try simple adaptive techniques and equipment modifications including supportive seating, aids for people with visual impairments and more. No experience is necessary for this exciting session.
The competitive sailing clinic will offer those with sailing experience a more in-depth learning experience on competitive sailing. Basics in sailing knowledge and experience are required for this clinic. Competitive sailing participants will be instructed in Paralympic class boats.
This "green sport" is perfect for anyone who loves the water and the wind in their hair!
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Youth Clinics for Ages 7 to 18 Years Old
 At Shake-A-Leg Miami, Biscayne Bay has become the classroom to hundreds of children and now you too can enjoy the same well-known program as a part of the No Barriers Festival 2009 at Shake-A-Leg Miami. This new addition will be specific to youth and run during the morning hours.
Participants will spend time in sailboats and kayaks, on the Eco-islands and in the classrooms learning about marine science, ecology, boating skills, and the natural history of Florida. There is a strong emphasis on team building and self-esteem activities.
A wide range of both land and water activities will be offered. Water: swimming, kayaking, dinghies, sailing, canoeing, sea lab. Land: photography, fine arts, theater, ceramics, music, dance, boat building, life skills, and team building. There is also a strong academic component. Certified teachers conduct fun, hands-on lessons pertaining to the history of Miami and Biscayne Bay, environmental stewardship, and South Florida ecology. |
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Therapeutic Swimming with the Dolphins
 You've heard the mysterious legends and fascinating facts about one of the world's most magnificent marine mammals, dolphins. Now, you can have a hands-on experience with these amazing animals at Miami Seaqariums's Dolphin Harbor. As a clinic option, participants will have the opportunity to chose between two different swim with the dolphin expereinces.
The Dolphin Odyssey option offers many of the shallow water dolphin activities of the Dolphin Encounter, plus the opportunity to move into deep water for some of the dolphin interactions. First, you'll learn about these magnificent marine mammals in an interactive and educational classroom presentation before you put on a wetsuit for the fun filled, deep water interaction with a dolphin.
As a Dolphin Odyssey participant, you'll have the opportunity to kiss, hug, dance, rub and get up-close to these friendly mammals. You'll also swim into deeper water for more interactions and even have the chance to get a dolphin ride across the pool. It's an experience you'll never forget! Participants in this program must be 52" or taller.
The Dolphin Encounter option is a fun-filled shallow water that begins with an informative classroom session where you'll gain insight into these intelligent and fun-loving mammals. Then you'll wade into the water for an unforgettable shallow water experience with a dolphin. You'll have a chance to touch, feed and play with a dolphin. You'll even learn what its like to train a dolphin, getting up-close and personal like never before.
Children age 5 and up can participate in the Dolphin Encounter program, so its great family fun. Children age 5-9 must be accompanied by an adult or older sibling participating in the program. You won't want to miss the chance of a lifetime to learn and interact with the dolphins at Dolphin Harbor.
Space is extremely limited, therefore participants should contact the office early for a tentative pre-clinic registration.
Participating in these two clinics may require an addition fee to be paid prior to joining the clinic at the festival.
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Look for a full schedule of events and clinics coming soon to our website.
Registration will begin in early February!
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Staff
Nicole Deters Spader
Executive Director
Board of Directors
Erik Weihenmayer, Chair
Mal Daly, Vice-Chair
Mike Savicki, Treasurer
Hugh Herr, PH.D.
Mark Wellman
Jim Goldsmith, Director Emeritus
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| Clinic List |
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* Learn to Sail
* Competitive Sailing
* Learn to Kayak
* Learn to Stand-Up Paddle
* Learn to Windsurf
* Outrigger Excursion
* Dolphin Odyssey
* Dolphin Encounter
* Adpative Fishing
* Open-Water Swimming
* Scuba Diving
* Rock Climbing
* Adaptive Yoga
* Road Handcylcing
* One-Off Cycling
* Therapeutic Horseback Riding
* Wheelchair Fencing
* Adaptive Golf
* Everglades Excursion to Shark Valley
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