SKIING NEWS ITEM

Water Ski for the Disabled

WEDNESDAY, 29 AUGUST 2007

Sports must be enjoyed by everybody—irregardless of body structure and health status. And that was what Lee Hester had in mind when he established Liquid Access.

Liquid Access is a company that manufactures three models of water skis for the disabled.

"We hold clinics all over Florida, and sell our skis to people with spinal-cord injuries, amputees, the visually impaired, those afflicted with bacterial meningitis and many other areas, including injuries from accidents," said Hester, a retired Air Force colonel.

To produce the skis, Hester has a local boat manufacturer mold the skis to fit his designs. Beginning skiers start with the Fresh Start model, then work up to the Annie (named after Sadderfield), and finally to the Rocket. The width of the skis become smaller for more speed and maneuverability as skiers progress to more advanced models. All three models come with a cage that the skier sits in to help balance the ski. The skiers sit in the cage, and rest their feet in a footrest, and start their journey across the water.

For further information, visit www.floridatoday.com.

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