Mark Wellman doesn’t say the word “limits” unless the word “no” is in front of it. His “No Limits” philosophy on life encourages people to seek new heights and exceed what seems reachable. Wellman began mountain climbing at the age of 12 and continues his passion despite being paralyzed after a severe mountain climbing accident. He became the first paraplegic to summit El Capitan and Half Dome in Yosemite National Park and the first to sit-ski unassisted across the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Wellman has inspired millions through countless motivational speeches, books and films.
Specifically in rock climbing assistive technology, Wellman has developed innovative climbing techniques and customizable climbing sports equiptment. During demonstrations around the country, Wellman considers each individual and combines their unique challenges with a complex pulley and harness system to lift the person out of their chair and up a 25-foot adaptive climbing wall. Wellman says this experience is “nothing short of magical.”
Wellman has invented sports equipment including “Wellman Custom Rock Chaps.” Wellman used this device on his climb to the top of El Capitan and left him with no abrasions or sores. The rock chaps are individually sized and are available for adaptive climbing programs. He’s also invented an adapted version of a swami belt and leg loops. This device is custom fit and comes in different sizes too, so it can be used by people of all ages. A swami belt is essential for people with limited lower limb use because it is a rope that ties around the waistline. It secures to a chest harness that allows for a firmer grip. This device works best for paraplegics, incomplete quadraplegics and people with limited lower limb use.
In the Summer of 2011, Mark Wellman will travel with Abilities Expo across the country from New York to Los Angeles to demonstrate his climbing techniques and expose people to the thrill of being high in the air. Wellman visited Fort Wayne on May 7 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum.
