Prosthetic Divers?

[Lizard Leg]

I am a right below knee amputee (RBK). I love snorkeling and freediving, and have a swim leg that I made myself, to let me wear fins at the normal 70º plantar flexion. However, this is a water only leg and I have to switch back to my walking foot when I exit the water. This can be fun in the surf.

I am looking at the Activankle by Rampro, and was wonderting if anyone here had any info on them, used them, etc.? My wife and I, as well as our son, are spending 10 days down in the Keys in June to finally get our certs finished up and spend the rest of the week diving, so I am looking for more of an all around swim system, that hopefully allows me to walk on it.

 

[Guba]

Let me first say that I have no first-hand knowlege on this topic. However, I am aware of the fantastic work the Wounded Warriors organization does involving teaching soldiers who have lost limbs to scuba dive. I'm relatively certain someone with that program would be able to provide all the answers and/or data and resources to answer your questions or give you guidance.
If you have trouble finding a WW program involved in diving, let me know. I know a few dive instructors who have connections with the group, and I think they would be glad to talk with you about this issue.
My best,
Bill (Guba)

 

[Lizard Leg]

Thanks!

 

[EastEndDiver]

Try posting your question in the medical forum,you might get more response;

Marine Science and Physiology

And also Divers with disabilities forum;

Divers with Disabilities

 

[Lizard Leg]

Done and done - thanks!!

 

[DivemasterDennis]

Also, under the politically incorrect name of Handicapped Scuba Association, there is an organization that may have additional information on equipment and facilities. Their web site is hsascuba.com.
DivemasterDennis

 

[diversteve]

You might want to contact Palm Beach Prosthetics & Orthotics | Florida O&P Services - they're the people who built Rob Murphy's new legs after a speedboat accident while diving a couple years ago. In the text it says that Rob can lock his legs at either 70^o or 90^o so he can both walk and fin.