Blog Posts - Blind Fitness

Blind Fitness Surf Clinic - July 27, 2024

5/13/2024

Blind Fitness Surf Clinic
July 27 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Please join us for our Blind Fitness Surf Clinic in partnership with Surf Happens and the Foreseeable Future Foundation. Experience the joy of riding waves with the support of professional surf instructors while meeting new friends! This surf clinic is designed for participants of all ages who are blind or have low vision. All equipment needs and lunch are included! Space is limited to the first 25 participants.
Registration deadline is July 13th.

In addition to completing our registration form, please also complete the mandatory Surf Happens Liability Waiver

This clinic, along with all other Blind Fitness activities, are being offered due to the kindness and generosity of others. Please consider contributing to our organization today and sharing Blind Fitness with your family and friends in order to help us continue to offer quality programs and activities to our blind and low vision community.

When: Saturday, July 27, 2024
Time: 10am-2pm
Location:
Santa Claus Lane Beach,
Carpinteria CA
(north end, look for Surf Happens truck and sign on the road)
Who: All people who are blind or have low vision

Mandatory Waiver!

Donations Accepted!

Trust & insight

5/13/2024

Tania Isaac currently serves as the Board Secretary for Blind Fitness. She is a E-RYT 200 Yoga Instructor, with a focus in Accessible and Therapeutic Yoga and an experienced Spiritual Guidance Channeler and Integrative Energy Healer who specializes in blending healing modalities to create unique healing sessions. She is located in Santa Barbara, CA where she lives with her husband and their rescued dog Oreo.

By Tania Isaac

I have long been an advocate for social justice. As a female of mixed ethnicities I have been able to view and experience the world from the outskirts. Despite the “two strikes against me”, I know I am privileged in other ways. I am a passionate ally for Ableism. Ableism, per the Center for Disability Rights, is defined as a set of beliefs or practices that devalue and discriminate against people with physical, intellectual, or psychiatric disabilities and often rests on the assumption that disabled people need to be ‘fixed’ in one form or the other.

From the beginning of my career as a yoga instructor, I worked with elders, the ill and various abled individuals. As part of this journey, I was invited to join a team of teachers in providing an accessible yoga class affiliated with an established community rehabilitation center. One of the teachers was Brianna Pettit, founder and executive director of Blind Fitness. During one of the classes that she guided, we were invited to experience it wearing a nightshade (blind fold), from beginning to end. I accepted and in doing so assumed the role as a student and someone who needed assistance. This is my experience:

I was guided into the room and to a chair. Mindfully I moved into my seat, determined to get my bearings and fully understand where I was and what I was with. Chair, check. Feet on the floor, check. The yoga props available to me and where they were located, check check. Various voices in the room and what direction they were coming from, check. When class began, I zoned in on Brianna’s voice like sonar.

As the class progressed, I felt my body awareness deepen: I was less connected with the world and more connected within on every level. As a result, many of my movements were slow and intentional. When class neared the end, we were given the option of moving down to the ground for a restorative pose. I decided to get down on the floor and accepted it as a challenge. I had to trust my team mate with my sense of safety. I felt cared for as I was assisted down and into a restorative pose, for I didn’t exactly know where my bolster and yoga blocks were due to the transition. Once I was laying down in a reclined butterfly pose, my team mate covered me and very gently tucked a blanket around my ankles and feet, creating a cocoon. As I lay there, entrusting her and allowing myself to be vulnerable, I cried. They were not fears of feeling inept, but of feeling respected and loved. The experience was tenderizing, humbling and heart opening.

When one of our human senses is reduced, there is a tendency for one or more of our other senses to increase. This was true for me when it came to my hearing and sense of receiving touch. When my teammate mindfully enfolded my feet and ankles, I was very aware of her hand motions and how they registered such respect and thoughtfulness. As I rested, I went deeper into my physical and emotional body. Moved to tears, my insight reached a new level of compassion and appreciation. I realized how much I rely on my vision for balance, bearings and bronze. Mind you this was a space I was familiar with, with someone I knew and doing a form of exercise I know like the back of my hand. I wondered, “What about individuals who are not familiar with a space, the movements, instructions or people??"

Though I felt shy of confidence and certainty, I felt more intimately connected within myself and my colleague. As the tears gathered behind my nightshade, I began to fully comprehend the gift given to everyone who assists another individual. In order to receive support, you have to offer your trust and a percentage of your self autonomy. When you offer assistance, you are greatly entrusted. It is a truly reciprocal relationship.

I have always considered it an honor when any yoga student or client has entrusted me, but I now recognized how precious a gift it can be. Let me be clear, the gift of one’s trust is not recognized as a “hand-up”; they are not less than me. However, as a fellow human, we need to value what it means to trust one another. It is like giving someone a piece of your heart; we all have a heart we are afraid it can be broken.
This experience gave me greater insight and appreciation, not merely of the difference in physical abilities, but of the intricately that connects us all; our humanity.

Better with Horses

5/13/2024

Blind Fitness is teaming up with the “Better with Horses Project” to offer a transformative journey towards holistic well-being, integrating psychology, life coaching, and equine partnered learning. Participants engage in a structured therapeutic program combining group sessions with horses and individual coaching over an 8 week period.

Through self-discovery and experiential learning, individuals develop tools for self-regulation, set goals, and cultivate a roadmap for continuous growth. With a focus on awareness, action, and empowerment, the program fosters emotional intelligence, resilience, and positive lifestyle changes.

When: Thursdays 9:30am-12pm | 8 weeks beginning April 18- June 6

Who: This is being offered to a select number of our Blind Fitness participants.

Please contact Brianna for more information at [email protected]

Surrey Bike Ride - May 15, 2024

5/13/2024

RSVP for Bike Ride

Together, in partnership with Anacapa School, we will be riding surrey bikes with a group of middle school students and teachers. Our Blind Fitness participants will help educate and spread awareness of the blind and low vision community. Come pedal with us

We will be renting surrey bikes from Wheel Fun Rentals. A surrey bike is a four-wheeled quadricycle, with a two, four or six-seated covered carriage and has an open bench seat where everyone can pedal together. With two steering wheels, the surrey bike is perfect for people who are blind or have low vision to bike around and engage in physical activity while also enjoying a fun social event. This is an opportunity to get outdoors, move your body, connect with others, and help educate the public of the abilities of people with vision loss.

We do not need volunteers for this event.

Date: May 15
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
RSVP Link
Blind and low vision participants, please RSVP by emailing at [email protected] no later than Wednesday, May 8th in order for us to secure the proper amount of support and equipment.
Suggested donation: $10 per participant/volunteer
Location: Meet in front of Wheel Fun Rentals located at 24 E. Mason St., Santa Barbara CA 93101
Who: All people who are blind or have low vision
Agenda:
1-1:15pm: Check-in, meet & greet connection
1:15-1:45pm: Surrey bike ride along Santa Barbara waterfront towards Bird Refuge
1:45-2:15pm: Snacks & connection; human guide training
2:15-2:45pm: Bike back and return to Wheel Fun Rentals
2:45-3pm: Closing circle

Yoga in the Dark

5/13/2024

We are excited to announce a new community yoga class called Yoga in the Dark in partnership with Power of Your OM

People with vision loss, as well as sighted people are invited to come together for a sensory experience of connection and expansion. Sighted students will be given a blindfold for class to experience what it is like to connect to our bodies and each other in a new way. Class will be warm, but not heated. All members of the community are invited to join us.

This is a donation based class offered on a sliding scale starting at $10. All proceeds from the class will be donated to Blind Fitness.

When: This class will be offered Tuesdays from 10:30am-11:30am

Location: Power of Your Om studio located at 1221 State St #201, Santa Barbara CA 93101.

DETAILS
Date: Tuesday, May 14
Time: 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Event: Adaptive Yoga
Venue: Power of Your Om
1221 State St. #201
Santa Barbara, 93101
View Venue Website
Organizer: Blind Fitness
Phone: 805.697.2244

Please pre-register for the class HERE

Register for Class

A guiding hand: Santa Barbara non-profit helps people with vision issues

10/5/2023

TO LISTEN or Read original article: KCLU | By Lance Orozco Published October 5, 2023 at 5:01 PM PDT

Blind Fitness teams volunteers with those who have impaired vision for everything from running to kayaking. A big fundraiser is set for Saturday.

It’s a beautiful, warm morning at Santa Barbara’s East Beach. Brian Walters and Daniel Brose are preparing to go for a run. The two men walk from the beach to the sidewalk.

Seeing the two men run looks pretty normal at first, until you notice Brose has a little tether, connecting him to Walters. The tether helps keep him on track, because he is blind.

Walters is a volunteer, and Brose is a client in a unique Santa Barbara based non-profit to help people with vision loss.

"Blind Fitness is a 501-C3 non-profit, and our mission is to empower people who are blind, or have low vision to be active through sports, and recreation, and physical activity, while also educating the public about their abilities," said

Brianna Pettit, the founder, and Executive Director of Blind Fitness. It offers activities like hiking, running, surfing, cycling, and kayaking to people with vision issues.

"This all came about during the pandemic, where I, for my own mental health, needed that ability to get outside. Just being able to bring that to other people brings me joy," said Pettit.

Brose said Blind Fitness allows him to take part in activities like running, and kayaking that the 41-year-old man hasn’t been able to do for years.

He had a eye disease similar to retinitis pigmentosa, which started at birth, and is a genetic condition. It began with him having night blindness, and led to him being legally diagnosed as blind at the age of 24.

His running guide, Brian Walters, talked about how he became one of the program’s volunteers.
"I have glaucoma, and I'm at risk of becoming severely visually impaired. I've lost about half the field of vision in my right eye. My left eye is virtually unaffected," said Walters.

But, between the two eyes, he has nearly 20/20 distance vision. He looks at helping others as paying it forward, knowing that someday he might be the one needing help.

Walters is 62, but is the picture of fitness. He actually serves as a guide in marathons, running with others who are blind or vision impaired.

Bob Burnham is another Blind Fitness program participant. He’s a client, but is also very involved in helping others as the non-profit's president.

"I've been totally blind since birth...I am 72...I have had a wonderful life, with a supportive family, friends, really a life of success," said Burnham.

He has been married for 40 years, and worked for Santa Barbara's Metropolitan Transit District for 32 years, mostly as a radio dispatcher.

He said he like taking part in the Blind Fitness programs, but also likes to encourage others to take part.

One of his favorite things to do is to walk on Santa Barbara’s beaches. While most of us see the surf, the sand, and the sun, Burnham says he enjoys being here using other senses, like smell, and sounds.

Blind Fitness is only about two years old, but news about the non-profit has spread quickly. It’s working with more than 60 people. Those involved with the program say while the activity is important, just as vital is the new community that’s developed connecting people who are blind, and sight impaired.

The organization is holding a big fundraiser on Saturday, October 7. It's a benefit concert at Santa Barbara's Trinity Episcopal Church. It begins at 2 p.m. A donation of $20 to help Blind Fitness is suggested.

Surfing With Your Eyes Closed

7/1/2023

Published by David Powdrell in EdHat July 1, 2023, 10:02 am
https://www.edhat.com/author/big-wave-dave/

Next time you surf, I challenge you to close your eyes while riding the wave.

Here’s what prompts the challenge: Last week, my friend Chris Keet (Surf Happens) called and asked if I’d come down to Santa Claus Lane to shoot a few photos of blind or sight impaired (mostly teenagers) surfing. I’ve discovered in my lifetime that among the most inspiring, interesting, fun people to hang around with are people with challenges. These teens were no different. Happy, grateful, funny, brave, and inspirational, all rolled up into one.

It’s important to celebrate the strength, resilience, and determination of individuals facing challenges and to support initiatives that provide them with opportunities to pursue their passions.
The event was a brilliant collaboration between a number of local nonprofits; Surf Happens, Blind Fitness, Wayfinder Family Services, and the Goleta Lions Club.
I’ll let the photographs do the speaking. Thank you, Chris, Brianna, and everyone involved with the event. I look forward to doing it again next year! > Read more! pictures and comments here

Blind Fitness Surf Clinic

6/29/2023

Originally Published : Coastal View News • Jun 29, 2023
To view original Article: https://issuu.com/coastalview/docs/cvn41_9f2a020fe69bb6
There is no text.

Blind Surf

6/26/2023

Jun 26, 2023 BLIND SURF | Read more: https://keyt.com

Blind Fitness Surf Clinic

6/22/2023

Published Santa Barbara Independent https://www.independent.com/events/blind-fitness-surf-clinic/

Goleta Lions Club Joins Blind Fitness to Empower Visually Impaired Individuals Through Adapted Surf Clinic
The Goleta Lions Club is proud to announce its collaboration with Blind Fitness to organize an adaptive surf clinic at Santa Claus Lane Beach on June 22nd. This annual event is open to participants of all ages who are blind or have low vision and wish to experience the thrill of riding waves under the guidance of professional surf instructors. The surf clinic aligns with Blind Fitness’ mission of empowering visually impaired individuals through sports, recreation, and physical activity.

Blind Fitness, founded by Brianna Pettit, is dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with vision impairments when it comes to accessing outdoor recreational activities. By organizing convenient and accessible events, Blind Fitness offers visually impaired individuals a diverse range of activities, including monthly walks/runs, surfing, cycling, kayaking, and hiking adventures. Recognizing the value of community involvement, Blind Fitness encourages sighted community members to volunteer and assist visually impaired participants during their fitness activities, fostering a sense of unity, belonging, and shared achievement. Currently, around 100 people, including volunteers and those with vision loss, are actively involved with Blind Fitness.

Demonstrating their support of Blind Fitness, the Goleta Lion’s Club will provide lunch at the upcoming adapted surf clinic. Beginning at noon, the Lions Club will ensure that all participants and volunteers are provided with a meal, showing their commitment to contributing to events that promote worthy causes. “We’re so excited to be a part of this meaningful event,” said Bobby Blessing, President of the Goleta Lion’s Club. “Supporting the profoundly positive impact Blind Fitness has on the lives of visually impaired individuals within our community is truly rewarding.”

The Goleta Lions Club focuses its volunteer and support efforts on programs related to sight, hearing, and children’s causes. The club actively engages in events and initiatives that benefit the community, and provides financial support to local nonprofit organizations. The Goleta Lions Club takes pride in their community-wide sight and hearing screenings. They recognize that eyesight and hearing related conditions during early childhood can have consequences on a child’s social, developmental, and educational well-being. By detecting these issues early and providing treatment, it is possible to minimize and even eliminate the effects of these conditions. In addition to their ongoing recreational programs, Blind Fitness has organized several notable events to date. Last October, in support of White Cane Awareness Day, the organization led a group of blind and low vision walkers and runners along the Santa Barbara beachfront, raising awareness about the challenges faced by the vision-impaired community. The event also included a guided blind-fold opportunity for sighted attendees to gain insight into the daily experiences of visually impaired individuals. Additionally, Blind Fitness facilitated the participation of blind and low vision individuals in the Santa Barbara Half Marathon last year, where they joined over 3,000 runners.

The Goleta Lions Club and Blind Fitness invite individuals of all ages who are blind or have low vision to join the upcoming adaptive surf clinic. The event will be held at Santa Claus Lane Beach (South end) on June 22nd from 10am-2pm. Participants will have access to all necessary equipment and will be provided with lunch. In order to support Blind Fitness in their efforts to organize future events for the community, participants are encouraged to make a donation.

To RSVP or get more information about this event, visit https://blindfitness.org/events/blind-fitness-adaptive-surf-clinic/.

About Goleta Lions Club: The Goleta Lions Club is a service club based in Goleta, California dedicated to improving the lives of individuals in the Goleta and Santa Barbara area. Through volunteer work, community-wide screenings, and various activities, the club strives to make a positive impact and support those in need. Website: https://www.goletalionsclub.org/

About Blind Fitness: Blind Fitness is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people who are blind or have low vision through sports, recreation, and physical activity while educating the public of their abilities. Blind Fitness provides services to those with vision loss that make fitness and recreational activities more accessible and convenient.
Website: https://blindfitness.org/