Meet Gary!

Gary and his dive buddy

My name is Gary Ray. I am 36 years old. I lost both of my legs in a roll-over car accident 15 years ago. Thankfully, I have full use of what’s left of my body but just like everyone else that uses a wheelchair, I live an adapted life. I have always loved water sports. Luckily, I grew up on Lake Whitney. Before my accident, I was an avid water skier. After I lost my legs, my water skiing was adapted to knee boarding. Without legs for balance, knee boarding is as challenging as water skiing! I still swim daily even though I no longer have my legs with which to kick. My body changed but my love of the water did not.

When I heard about the Eels on Wheels SCUBA club, diving seemed like a natural next step. I signed up for the trip to Roatan and then set out to get certified. After a few phone calls, I found that I didn’t need an HSA certification, so I am certified by NAUI through a local dive shop.

Gary looking up

While the diving during the training course was fun and challenging, it does not hold a candle to diving in the deep blue seas of the Caribbean! For the most part, I enjoy the same facets of diving as does a person with legs. The ocean and its life are calming and awe-inspiring. They can remind us of how small we are in the grand scheme of things. Diving is also an exciting adventure because it is uncertain which creature or formation will be experienced on any given outing. The technical aspects of diving lend a sense of accomplishment and independence. Some of the extras I personally enjoy are the freedom from my wheelchair and the absence of physical obstacles with which I deal daily on land. It is liberating to have only my body (and not the chair) to negotiate. In fact, I have the added advantage of being small enough to go where other divers might not fit! The athleticism offered by diving is also enjoyable. As anyone using a wheelchair knows, getting where we want to go is an athletic feat in itself but becomes second-nature over time. Diving is a way to exercise all of my body and all of my mind simultaneously. Diving is wonderful for the physically challenged and non-challenged alike!

Gary and dive buddy
swimming along the coral.

The people in Eels on Wheels are equally great! It’s reassuring to meet other people with similar interests and the determination to make the best of a situation! It’s fun to swap stories and information! Everyone is helpful and appreciates that I prefer to do for myself when I can. They don’t pity me and I like that!

If you are looking to dive, socialize, and be a part of an awesome group of people, Eels is for you!!

Gary