Rippers
About
Rippers is an expert adaptive ski / ride camp hosted by Melodie Buell, OAS Education and Training Manager. These winter camps are one of the few coaching opportunities in the west for high level coaching and will be ran several times in the winter at Mt. Bachelor.
Team Lead
Melodie is the current Education and Training Manager for Oregon Adaptive Sports, she joined OAS in 2008. She is a current member of the PSIA-AASI National Team, an Adaptive and Alpine examiner for the NW Region, and serves on a variety of Regional and National leadership Taskforces; developing content and opportunities to help instructors across the US evolve their quality of teaching.
She spends most of her days with the organization leading and developing adaptive trainings and camps on trail on a bike and in mountains on skis. Outside of her time invested in her career, she is usually riding her bike, researching human behavior, off on an unplanned MTB road trip, practicing artistic creativity, or connecting with our communities. You’ll find her outside, most of the time and with her pup Jette.
Participate
Interested in participating in Rippers? This program is for eligible athletes that meet criteria for riding advanced terrain and mountain conditions. Once camp dates are announced on the Events Page you can access an application form to submit your interest! Keep up to date on opportunities by following our newsletter or Instagram / Facebook
Athlete RegistrationAdaptive Equipment
Adaptive sports are a unique experience for each individual. The following information is intended to give you a broad understanding of the adaptive disciplines we instruct and some of the equipment that is used in each of them. There are many adaptations and variations within each discipline.
Adaptive Alpine Skiing Equipment
Bi-Ski
Utilizes a bucket style seat with two skis underneath it. The bi-ski is designed for those who use a wheelchair or have difficulty walking or standing. A bi-ski can be skied independently like a mono-ski using the same type of handheld outriggers or can be skied with the assistance of an instructor using fixed outriggers and tethers (reins attached to the back of the bi-ski). Skiers turn by either moving their head and shoulders or by using handheld outriggers.
OAS Fleet Includes:
Enabling Technologies Dynamique
Mountain Man Bi-Ski
Hands On Concepts Glide
Enabling Technologies Bi-Unique
Bi-Unique
The Bi-Unique is used by almost every adaptive program around the world. It has set the standard for introductory sit skis and gives you the ability to ski as independently as your experience and abilities allow! Boasting the lowest center of gravity of any sit ski on the market, the Bi-Unique is easy for high level injuries to maneuver. Designed 20+ years ago, the Bi-Unique continues to be a resilient, versatile & long-lasting bi ski.
DynAccess Hydra
The Hydra retains the competitive advantages of other DynAccess monoskis; It is very responsive and strong, has an exceptionally stiff frame, made of the best materials, yet relatively light weight. This is possible due to the special geometry of the structure, custom developed high quality bearings and other hardware, and a high performance Penske Racing shock absorber develop specifically for DynAccess monoskis. The Hydra works great for racers and intermediate/advanced recreational skiers
Dynamique
The Dynamique has proven itself as the ultimate bi ski and bridges the gap between the Bi-Unique and mono skis. Skiers and instructors alike are enjoying the unparalleled design of the Dynamique. An unprecedented load height, unique tension-ed load system, and performance suspension are just a few of the features that make the Dynamique an unbounded bi ski!
Monique
The Monique has proven itself as the ultimate program mono ski and bridges the gap between novice and upper echelon sit-skis by increasing stability and forgiveness. Unlike most monos, the Monique has a low center of gravity which promotes a slower transition from edge to edge and is forgiving to form flaws. Riding at under a foot off the ground, it sits 3-6″ lower than most monos on the market. Although it is a great learning tool, it has the capability to leave the greens behind!
Mono-Ski
Utilizes a bucket style seat with a single ski underneath it. Skier uses handheld outriggers for balance, typically made easier with strong arms, core strength and trunk balance. Unlike the bi ski, the mono ski can only be skied independently.
OAS Fleet Includes:
KBG Lynx
Enabling Technologies Monique 1
Praschberger Monoski
Freedom Factory Revolution
NRG Seat
The NRG Seating System is an option for skiers that require a high level of upper body and head support. The seat measures approximately 16″ wide at the waist.
Each seat is finished with over the shoulder / waist / thigh straps for security and side handles for instructors. The seat comes predrilled for the Dynamique Bi Ski and includes the adjustable dump bracket.
Slide Unique
The second generation of the Slide Unique remains the lightest and most adjustable offering on the market. To meet the needs of stand up skiers the Slide Unique now offers a balance of infinite adjustment and strong hold through a combination of tooled clamps and pinned positions. Custom clamps have been sourced to improve ease of use while its custom boot allows tool-less size changes.
Snow Slider
Another variation of skiing for individuals with more severe balance challenges. A mounted frame that clicks into separate skis appears like a walker on skis and is tethered by a trained instructor. The stand-up skier uses their own boots and skis with the metal frame as support. This can be used long term or in a progression towards three track or four track skiing.
OAS Fleet Includes:
Enabling Technologies Slide Unique
Freedom Factory Snow Slider
Snow'Kart
Snow’Kart is designed for people who have a lack of strength in the upper body and/or who don’t have enough balance to ski with mono-ski or bi-ski. Thanks to the Easy Drive kit, the Snow’Kart is the only equipment in the world that could be driven by one hand.
Tempo access
The Tempo Access is very easy to handle thanks to its low and forward centre of gravity, which makes it easier to initiate turns. It is the ideal product for learning, for people with limited balance or for children, it also offers new possibilities for Solo skiing.
Tempo Uni-Ski
The Tempo Uniski is intended for people who have a lower limb disability. It allows skiing independently with remarkable performances. Easy to ski, it is quickly handled and allows a fast improvement. The fully suspended frame allows skiing efficiently and it will completely satisfy experienced skiers. If you are looking for an easy sit ski without limiting your desire to escape, the Tempo Uniski is made for you.
Three Track/Four Track
Three tracking and four tracking are for individuals who have the ability to stand on one leg or two but need the added balance and steering of using two outriggers. Three track skiers typically have one leg and two arms. Three trackers use a standard ski and two outriggers giving them three points of contact on the snow. Four track skiers have two legs and arms, natural or prostethic. They typically use standard skis and two outriggers, giving the skier four points of contact with the snow. Stand up outriggers are also sometimes used with a snowboard.
Two Track
Skier who can stand and maintain balance while in motion often use standard skis, although adaptive equipment (tethers, spacers, tip retention devices, etc.) may be used to aid in the learning of muscle movements.
Adaptive Snowboard Equipment
Snowboard
Most adaptive snowboard lessons employ a standard snowboard set up using progressions taught by the American Association of Snowboard Instructors.
Snowboard Adaptations
If a snowboarder is in need of extra assistance beyond adapted teaching techniques, bamboo poles, tethers, hula hoops and/or the Rider Bar (adapted snowboard handlebar) may also be used.
