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MAY-AUG 2022 THE REVIEW | 11 FEATURE “If my body can do it, most bodies can do it.” – Jezza Williams in the Swiss Alps left me with a C5 spinal cord injury, I was ready to accept the challenge. After a lifetime of experience in the adventure industry my initial fear was that I’d never be able to get amongst the action again. After researching the possibilities for someone that was in my new predicament to experience adventure; I was blown away at the lack of opportunity and infrastructure. Changing my focus, I decided to open the adventure industry to all and in 2012 Makingtrax was born. I originally opened the experiences that I knew, and funnily enough these were the most difficult – rafting, paragliding, sea kayaking etc. As a tetraplegic, with my experience I’m the perfect guinea pig, realising what is possible, practical and safe. So, if my body can do it, most bodies can do it. The Inclusive Directory on the Makingtrax Foundation website has our inclusive experiences, and the relevant information for you to understand what the activity involves, to see if it suits your ability. We also provide packages from adventure travel to river rafting trips, tips and tricks for organising your adventure or funding pathways if finance is your barrier. We are continually evolving so keep up to date, follow our journey as we are committed to opening the world of adventure possibilities to all. Makingtrax focuses on the experience rather than the infrastructure. It is called Inclusive Tourism, a little different than Accessible Tourism where the focus is on infrastructure. In the adventure industry making everything accessible is just not possible or practical. Inclusive Tourism is about the experience and opening possibilities, we do this through: • Education - to the industry • Information - to you the client • Cooperation - between the operator and you, assisting both to adapt with simple solutions • Adaptation - only if required • Promotion - providing awareness to possibilities. We believe everyone should be able to rock up to our inclusive operators and enjoy an adventure – all the adaptive equipment is with them. Makingtrax also designs and manufacturers support seats and other adaptive systems to open up everything from whitewater rafting through to paragliding. A little taste of the most popular destinations: Queenstown - Paragliding to packrafting, canyon swing or the world’s only commercial jet sprint are just a few. Franz Josef - Snow landings with a ski chair, skydiving 20,000ft above, or sea-kayak through rainforests. Abel Tasman - Golden beaches, Top: Jezza Williams, pictured, says Inclusive Tourism is about opening possibilities. Above: Makingtrax ensures everyone gets to experience the wonders of adventuring. sea kayaking eco tours or waka cultural experience. Auckland - Whitewater park or skydive 20,000ft. Our harnesses make everything fun, safe and simple. There are no excuses, so get busy living! Makingtrax recently became a charitable trust – The Makingtrax Foundation. Our vision is to see all adventure operators, outdoor educators, the tourism industry, Department of Conservation and cycleways embracing inclusion, whilst having adoption and education in place to make these experiences possible for everyBODY. To learn more about Makingtrax go to www.makingtrax.co.nz .