Adaptive Aquatics Inc

Adaptive Aquatics is a 501c-3 Nonprofit that teaches adaptive waterskiing to disAbled Children, disAbled Adults and Wounded Warrior Veterans.  The Adaptive Aquatics facility is based on Lay Lake in Shelby County but the organization travels to other Alabama lakes to conduct watersports for other groups that also serve disabled individuals.  Adaptive Aquatics remains one of the longest running adapted watersports nonprofit organizations in the nation celebrating our 31st year of operation.

Each year from April to October, Adaptive Aquatics provides instruction through comprehensive clinics and workshops. With the use of specialized equipment and expert instruction Adaptive Aquatics opens avenues to greater independence and allows people to experience the excitement and thrill of water sports that many person’s with disabilities did not think were possible.

Adaptive Aquatics was founded in 1980 by Phil Martin, a pioneer of adapted water skiing.  Under his early leadership, the sport of water skiing for people with disabilities has experienced tremendous growth.

Today, under the direction of Executive Director Joe Ray a professional staff of instructors and trained volunteers teach all levels from beginners to international competitors. Instructors are members of the USA Water Ski Association and are trained to meet or exceed all safety standards.

Over the years Adaptive Aquatics has taught skiers with a broad range of physical disAbilities including individuals with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, post polio, kernicterus, acquired brain injuries, amputations and visual impairments.

Among the many benefits, water skiing has proven to be an excellent activity to increase one’s overall fitness and health, but also builds self confidence, autonomy and sense of well being.

Monies raised makes it possible for disAbled Children, disAbled Adults and Wounded Warrior Veterans to experience the joy of adapted water skiing and other watersport activities. There is no greater satisfaction than watching the facial expressions of participants replecting feelings of pride, positive self-esteem, and accomplishment as they overcome obstacles both great and seemingly small.

We serve all cities across the state of Alabama including Birmingham, Homewood, Irondale, Hoover, Pinson, Shelby, Wilsonville, Calera, Chelsea, Helena, Columbiana, Huntsville, Mobile, Cullman, Montgomery, Prattville, Troy, Dothan, Anniston, Gasden, Trussville, Clay, Springville, Tuscaloosa, Helfin, Wedowee, Woodland, Roanoke, Lineville, Ashland, Athens, Northport and many other cities.

We do watersports, water sports, water skiing, waterskiing, adapted, adaptive, tubing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, boat rides, youth athletics, disabled, handicapped, physically challenged, mentally challenged, visually impaired, blind, tbi, spinal cord injury, spina bifia, multiple sclerosis, post polio, kernicterus, acquired brain injuries, amputations, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and many other disability and activies.