Beach Wheelchair and Walker

People who use wheelchairs or walkers can now enjoy a day at the beach, going where conventional equipment can’t take them – to the water’s edge. A versatile, sand-friendly beach wheelchair, as well as a sand-friendly beach walker, will be available free-of-charge to visitors at Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds beginning May 14, 2017.

The new equipment was acquired through the California Coastal Commission’s Whale Tail Grants Program, which distributes funds from the sales of California’s WHALE TAIL© Coastal Protection License Plate and donations to the “Protect Our Coast and Oceans Fund” listed on the California state tax form.

Florida-based Deming Design, Inc.’s “DeBug” beach wheelchair incorporates Wheeleez wheels to navigate sand; the wheelchair’s rear suspension is designed to allow all four wheels to remain in contact with the ground when moving across uneven terrain, giving users a stable ride. Swing-away arm rests are easily removable for lateral transfers. The wheelchair requires an assistant to push the wheelchair occupant across deep sand to the ocean’s edge.

The Deming beach walker is constructed of lightweight aluminum, and is based on conventional walker design. It also has the Wheeleez wheels to easily navigate sand, and can be operated by an individual familiar with conventional equipment. Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds State Park Unit was selected by the California Coastal Commission to serve as the ‘test pilot’ site for the Deming beach walker in 2017.

There is no cost for visitors who want to use the beach wheelchair or beach walker, but advance reservations are recommended. The equipment is loaned out on a daily basis and is available to be used at Asilomar State Beach or other coastal parks in Monterey County. To reserve the wheelchair or walker, contact the Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds Front Desk: (831) 372-8016.