Ina Nektar Fly Fishing

Fly Tying Poly

10 Useful Wheelchair Tips

1.  Make Lemons Out of Lemonade - If your wheelchair is a lemon, does not conform to the terms of the written warranty, or the dealer or manufacturer is unable to repair it in the first year, you should check your states wheelchair lemon law.  You may qualify for a replacement chair.

2.  Rain or Shine - It is not necessary to stay home on a rainy day if you take precautions to protect your powerchair.   Cover the hand control with a plastic bag, but exercise caution when using a joystick with a covering on it.  Protect the drive motor by avoiding puddles that might splash or submerge the motor.  Common sense is the rule, sitting in a powerchair in the pouring rain waiting for a bus is not a good idea, however, rain should not stop you from attending to life's daily activities such as going to work or a doctor appointment.

3.  Get in Your Comfort Zone - It would be nice if wheelchair seats were like our favorite overstuffed chair, but sadly enough they are basically not that comfortable. So, here are some tips on getting close to comfortable.   Width of the seat should be as narrow as possible without hips touching the sides.  A chair too wide causes bad posture, and affects chair performance.  Proper seat depth is tricky.  Too deep and you slouch, too shallow and you don't have enough support and less stability.  A sling backrest with adjustable tension will allow you to sit further back in the seat, while a fixed backrest allows you to sit further forward.  Seat angle, commonly called “squeeze” is when the seat  seat has a permanent slope.  Seat angle helps keep your weight in place, and prevents you from sliding forward.  It is important to get the right amount of angle because too much can cause problems with discs in the back, curvature of the spine and pressure sores.  Most manual and powerchairs have a built in adjustment which will allow you to customize the seat angle. Seat cushions provide comfort, positioning, and prevent pressure sores.  The type of cushion you chose will depend on your criteria.  Someone who spends all day in a chair will obviously have a different need from someone who may just use a wheelchair to go shopping.

4.  All Work and No Play - For housework and cleaning, my advice would be to get your friends and family to do it, but that just is not realistic.  Learning to live with a little clutter and coming to grips with the fact that your house may never be as clean as it once was might help with some of the frustration.  Make sure that you have accessible outlets!!!  Try plugging the vacuum cleaner in when the outlet is behind the couch and you will see why this is so important.  Better yet, get a cordless vacuum!  If you need to mop, always start in the corner first!!   Cleaning the shower is easy with the new sprays that are on the market.  Pick up clutter all through the week, it lessens what you have to do during the actual cleaning.  Keep a reacher handy to get those socks that are hiding under the bed or items that may have fallen behind furniture.

5.  No Need for a Spare Tire - "Flat Free" tires no longer means made of solid rubber!  Technology has evolved to include a range from foam filling, to a poly urethane tread to a rubber insert.  So, the question is:  Which material meets your needs? Poly Urethane tires are used most commonly on manual wheelchairs.  They are highly resilient and fairly light.  The life span is 3 to 4 times of the traditional rubber tire.  Semi-pneumatic tires and inserts feature molded-in air pockets, much like the air pockets in the soles of athletic shoes, providing a slightly cushioned ride.  Found in forms ranging from poly urethane tires to inserts, semi-pneumatic tires never need air maintenance, nor will they become flat when punctured, making them truly flat-free. On today's powerchairs, foam-filled tires, especially on the drive wheels, are the most popular flat-free solution.  The foam may vary in density depending on the required weight capacity.  Co-molded tires are most commonly found via powerchair casters and low-end manual wheelchair wheels.  Co-molded tires are especially useful as anti-tip wheels, where durability is more important than ride characteristics. Co-molded tires have an exceptional lifespan, but the entire wheel assembly requires replacement when worn.  

6.  Ball in Your Court - Being in a wheelchair should not stop you from getting out there and participating in sports.  Wheelchair users are now competing on a professional level.  There are numerous wheelchair sports associations. Wheelchair basketball was started over 40 years ago by the Veterans Administration as a rehab program.  It has grown by leaps and bounds and is now a sport.  There are over 180 teams across the U.S.  Quad Rugby is another wheelchair sport designed for quadriplegics who are unable to play basketball.  It is a mixture of basketball, ice hockey, rugby, and handball.  Power soccer is yet another great sport for those in an electric wheelchair.  There are many wheelchair sports accessories available including belts, harnesses, drink holders and special back supports.

7.  On the Road Again - For travel, first and foremost make sure that your chair is in good working order.  Take it in for a service check.  Be sure that your name and address are clearly printed on all removable parts.  Use sticky labels, and cover them with a piece of clear tape.  If you will be flying, be sure to notify the airline that you are traveling with a wheelchair. Airlines are required by law to stow your chair in the cabin, but don't count on it if there are multiple travelers with wheelchairs.  An alternative is to gate check your chair, this will allow you to wheel onto the jetway where they will tag your chair and stow it in the belly of the plane.  Remove leg supports and seat cushion and carry them on board with you.  If you are unable to walk onto the plane, be sure to request an aisle chair.  Always check your wheelchair for  damage on arrival.   Be sure to do your homework ahead of time.  Check on hotels for handicapped accessible rooms, if you are going to be sightseeing, make sure that there are no barriers, arrive early at bus and train stations.  Wheelchair travel can be both challenging and and rewarding, and with a little planning, it will certainly be a adventure that you won't forget.

8.  Stumbling Block - Nobody ever said it was going to be easy being disabled. Learning to cope with the mountain of little obstacles that are so frustrating is a major step in the right direction.  If you have diminished hand strength and function, use a wall mounted dispenser with refillable chambers and push button dispensing for the shower. This will eliminate the need for opening and closing bottles with wet hands.  If grasping a utensil is difficult slide a piece of 12mm hose over the handle. Outsource your toenails and get a simple trim at the nail salon on a regular basis.  Use a reacher to get at those socks from under the bed or behind the couch.  Don't chase your food all over the plate, use a bowl instead.  Be sure to carry straws with you if you are unable to pick up a cup or glass. A 3 ft dowel with a rubber cap on both ends works great for turning light switches on and off, ringing doorbells, pushing buttons on tv or as a pushing or pulling tool. Put a thin cord through the hole on your zippers, tie to make a loop.  Be sure to join a disabled support group, as they are an amazing wealth of information.

9.  Play it Safe - Make sure that your wheelchair is in good condition at all times.  The top priority when considering safety are the brakes.  Be sure to check them regularly, loose brakes can compromise the wheelchair users safety.  Another thing to consider is stability and balance. Some guidelines to follow are:   Never lean forward any further than the length of the armrests.  If you do lean forward, be sure the front casters are facing forward.  Do not try to pick things up from the floor by reaching down in between your knees.  Do not shift your weight in the direction you are reaching as the wheelchair may tip over.  For ultimate safety, it is important that you be fully contained within the wheelchair.  A weakened arm or leg that occasionally drops to the side cannot be considered the ultimate in safety. Arm supports, as well as foot and leg huggers, help you keep it all together.

10. Live and Learn - Become a self advocate.   Being a self advocate very simply means that  you understand your own disability....you know your weaknesses and strengths, and you are able to convey this to others.  So, how do you get started?   Write it all down; your weaknesses, strengths, identify your disability, and what you need to do to participate in the things you enjoy, or need.  Find out your rights, The American Disabilities Act will spell them out for you.  Now comes the hard part for some.......Assert yourself, ask for what you need. What do you have to lose?  And finally, follow up, and make the change happen.

Living with a disability and being in a wheelchair means that you have had to make changes and adjustments to your lifestyle, but you can still stay active and enjoy your life.  With the above wheelchair tips, and a positive attitude, you can learn to thrive with your disability instead of letting it manage you!

About the Author

AMS Vans has been providing wheelchair vans since 1998. Our handicap accessible vans are created with the highest safety ratings, the best value, and the lowest prices nationwide. Our handicap van dealer showroom is located 20 minutes north of downtown Atlanta in Norcross, Georgia GA. Drop in our wheelchair accessible vans dealership, or see over 100 handicap vans for sale on our website all about handicap vans, wheelchair accessibility, and accessible vans for handicap transportation.

Fly Tying $29.95 Readers will discover the most effective, most original, and most historic flies published in the 30-year history of Fly Rod & Reel magazine. The book is filled with fly-tying tips and fly-pattern designs straight from Fly Rod & Reel, contributors such as Darrel Martin, A.K. Best, Ted Leeson and many others; all make this a must-have or perfect gift for a fly tier of any skill level.

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Mastering The Art Of Fly Tying $27.95 A beautiful and comprehensive manualcarefully detailing for you how to tie 160 flies—listedin order from simple to complex. In Mastering the Art of Fly Tying, one of the world’smost experienced fly-tying instructors reveals thatthe real secret to fly tying is not learning to tie eachfly individually, but mastering and building upon thenecessary skills and techniques. The 160 flies in thisstunningly photographed guide are organized fromsimple to complex, rather than by type of fly as inother books. Each new fly teaches you another techniqueand builds your skill and confidence, along with an exceptionalcollection of flies.

Fly Tying for Beginners $33.93 Any angler who takes up the art of fly tying will discover an added dimension to the wonderful sport of fly fishing. This profusely illustrated instruction book shows beginners how to craft 50 professional-looking flies for trout and salmon fishing. Each fly-tying project consists of step-by-step instructions accompanied by close-up photos of the work in progress and a large photo of the finished fly. Beginners will learn how to make dry flies, wet flies, bugs, nymphs, hairwings, and streamers. They`ll also get advice on which flies are best for catching which variety of fish. Author Peter Gathercole is the ideal fly-tying instructor, offering a thorough grounding in the core techniques required for fly tying, while assuming no previous knowledge on the reader`s part. As he instructs, he also demonstrates that with good guidance and a little practice, every angler can tie a fly that is good enough to fool a fish. More than 500 color photos.

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Fly Fishing And Fly Tying (DVD) $17.43 Angling instruction designed for the Fly Fisher. Explores the various techniques needed to master the discipline. Running Time: 300 min

Kershaw Skeeter Fly Tying Scissors $12.1 Compact and durable, the Skeeter series of fly-tying scissors are designed to cut through a wide variety of materials with ease. An extra fine point provides for precise trimming. The comfortable finger loops provide precise control during use. Choose serrated, ideal for cutting very coarse fishing line, or non-serrated blades. SPECIFICATIONS: Overall Length: 4 1/4 in. (10. 7 cm) Weight: 0. 8 oz.

Orvis Guide to Beginning Fly Tying (Paperback) $21.33 This Orvis-endorsed guidebook?part of a continuing seriesthat includes guidebooks on fly fishing basics and saltwaterfly fishing?will give you all the tools you need to begin makingyour own flies. Learn how to read a fly recipe, choose the correcttools (including vises, bobbins, threaders, dubbing needles, and hairstackers), select the right materials (everything from dry fly saddles,threads, beads, and Krystal Flash, to hooks, wires, cements, andpaints), and pick the best flies to tie first. Before you know it, you`llbe tying such flies as the Wooly Bugger, Clouser minnow, beadheadsoft hackle nymphs, Adams dry fly, and Hare`s Ear nymph. You`llalso get solid advice on how to set up a well-organized fly-tyingarea, so you can enjoy this fascinating craft in ease and comfort. Fly Tyer magazine editor David Klausmeyer shares his Five GoldenRules for tying better flies. Many books say they are for beginnersbut then quickly turn fly tying into a series of complicated fingercalisthenics. The Orvis Guide to Beginning Fly Tying really is for thereader who has never made a fly. Catch fish with flies that you`vetied on your own, and you`ll get more enjoyment from the richsport of fly fishing.

Uk, Antique Fly-Tying Equipment with a Traditionally Tied Salmon Fly in Vice on a Fly-Tiers Bench $24.99 John Warburton-lee Uk, Antique Fly-Tying Equipment with a Traditionally Tied Salmon Fly in Vice on a Fly-Tiers Bench - Photographic Print

Fly Tying By Healy, Joe $32.07 Author: Healy, Joe Subtitle: 30 Years of Tips, Tricks, and Patterns Publication Date: 2010/12/16 Number of Pages: 240 Binding Type: Paperback Language: English Depth: 0.75 Width: 8.50 Height: 11.00

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Wet-Fly Tying and Fishing $57.2 No Synopsis Available

The Complete Guide to Fly-Tying $16.53 No Synopsis Available

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My Fly Tying Journal $5.84 No Synopsis Available

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Introduction to Fly Tying $12.66 No Synopsis Available

Tying Trout Flies $24.99 Trout anglers of all skill levels can easily make these 100 popular and effective trout flies. All fly-tying procedures are well illustrated, providing a sound base for the projects listed. Text includes lists of all materials and step-by-step instructions. Tying Trout Flies includes patterns for dry flies, wet flies, nymphs, and streamers, with exceptional photography depicting the tying process. The book is designed to lie flat on the tying bench allowing for easy access to instructions and photos throughout the tying process.

Fly Fishing And Fly Tying - Beginners (DVD) $13.93 Angling instruction designed for the Fly Fisher. Explores the various techniques needed to master the discipline Running Time: 120 min

Anglers Book Supply Co 0871089319 Introduction To Saltwater Fly Tying $63.38 Stepbystep fly tying guide designed specifically for the novice the intermediate tyer. A carefully crafted presentation of everything you need to know to get started begin tying flies that are sure to bring results. BW photos; 9x11 inches 176 pgs. A stepbystep fly tying guide designed specifically for the novice and the intermediate tyer is now available. Introduction to Saltwater Fly Tying provides a carefully crafted presentation of everything you need to know to get started and begin tying flies that are sure to bring results.ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Scott Sanchez began tying flies at the age of 12. When he was 14 Scott taught his first fly tying class. This early ambition and ability to teach his craft was just the beginning of his 22 successful years of working in the fly fishing industry. Hardcover

Anglers Book Supply Co 1932978216 Hooked On Fly Tying Basic Saltwater Fly Tying $49.88 Fly casting tying instructor Dickinson shows you how to tie basic saltwater flies. Includes Honey Blond Seducer Clouser Minnow Lefty s Deceiver. 60 min. Jamie Dickinson fly casting fly tying instructor sales representative for major fly fishing lines shows you how to some some of the most effective saltwater flies. The basic knowledge you ll need to tie a variety of saltwater patterns. Patterns included are: Honey Blond Seducer Clouser Minnow and Lefty s Deceiver. DVD

Dib Imports Dib Imports 8500' Poly Tying Twine 764302 $29.95 8500' poly tying twine 1-ply Rot and abrasion-resistant Heavy weight with an approximate 134 tensile strength Blue and white spiral 8600' per 10 lb. dispenser carton Brand #: dib Imports 764302 UPC: 009326718941 Keywords: tying twine poly velvet bulk rope

Kershaw 1215X Skeeterii Fly Tying Scissors Clam $32.08 Skeeter II Fly Tying Scissors . Manufacture ID: 1215X. Compact and durable the Skeeter series of flytying scissors are designed to cut through a wide variety of materials with ease. An extra fine point provides for precise trimming. The comfortable finger loops provide precise control during use. Choose serrated ideal for cutting very coarse fishing line or nonserrated blades. SPECIFICATIONS:. Overall Length: 4 1/4 in. (10.7 cm). Weight: 0.8 oz.

Fly Tying With Common Household Materials (Paperback) $30.41 How to save money and get better results—including 300 full-color photos Novice fly fisherman start fly tying with a predictable set of materials. Their benches are neatly arranged with small bags of elk hair, pheasant feathers, stray pieces of chenille and yarn. But eventually they find that not only are these materials more expensive than they need to be, they are also largely unnecessary. And so they starts making substitutions, using trial and error to gradually build up a bench of funky, personalized materials that work just as well as what the “experts” recommend. For the first time, here is a book that truly demystifies fly tying, making it accessible to any fisherman with a vice, a hook, a few dabs of glue, and a handful of twisty-ties. Tying legend Jay “Fishy” Fullum brings together a lifetime of substitution experience to give invaluable advice on appropriate substitution materials. He describes how to find them and make them tier friendly, and how to turn them into flies that are practically guaranteed to catch fish.

Anglers Book Supply Co 0Rfc10 Rotary Fly Tying Dvd $43.2 Introduces 9 new rotary fly tying techniques that will help people get 100 out of their ROTARY fly tying experience. Tie along w/ Mike; put these techniques to work Your tying will be easier more comfortable your flies more durable. Tie along with Mike and learn these techniques:The Rope WrapTurn LookRotate to the TopWrap in ReverseClear the WayFold WrapReady the Thread the HeadThe Roly PolyMike has slected 6 standardfly patterns to demonstrate these techniques.Tie:The AdamsPrinceGinger FlymphStimulatorLittle Brook TroutPartridge GreenMike has been tying with a Rotary Vise for over 20 years and developed these techniques during that time. When his fly tying students started requesting lessons specifically for Rotary Fly Tying he introduced the techniques to them and the techniques were a hit. As they were when later demonstrated on Harry Vanderweide s show Northeast Journal and seen on NESN and the Outdoor channel.The introduction of these techniques was well received by the TV audience as indicated by ther calls to Renzetti Vise who sponsored the shows. The acceptance of these techniques by fly tying students and the TV audience led to the production of this DVD. DVD

Wet-fly Tying and Fishing (Hardcover) $95.28 Shows how various types of flies play a complementary role in fishing. This book demonstrates how wet-flies catch trout and are effective as dry-flies and nymphs.