RANGE OF ACTIVITIES
The first area of activity of the Shevet Foundation:
professional training programs in snow skiing and snowboarding, in accordance with relevant physical limitations. We identify new candidates every year for these unique rehabilitative activities, after examining their level of ability and motivation for winter sports, while focusing on disabled IDF amputees, lower body paralyzed and blind veterans. In addition, we collaborate with groups from the Achim Lachaim Association, Kibbutz Be'eri Youth, Nativ Ha'Asara Youth and more.
After the identification phase, which begins about a year in advance, participants undergo professional preparation. The peak of the process comes when they embark on a skiing course aimed at achieving complete independence. The activity takes place in Israel and abroad throughout the year, with entry into the program usually taking place around April-May.
Dealing with the challenges of skiing as part of the rehabilitation process dramatically strengthens personal resilience and renewed self-confidence, and has a positive impact on all areas of life like social integration, academic studies, starting a family, returning to the circle of life, etc. The combination of a team of volunteers with the highest level of professionalism, the power of nature, and the challenge of skiing creates a special formula that leads to a very strong impact on participants.
The Shevet Foundation's marine activity area, which includes three different sub-areas:
The first is Surfski - a long, light and extremely fast sea kayak, designed for experienced paddlers in various sea conditions, especially in deep waves (downwind). Its features include an open paddler's compartment (upper seat), a unique structure for water drainage, a foot-operated rudder, and an emphasis on high speed and performance.
Surfing activities take place regularly throughout the year on Gordon Beach in Tel Aviv in the early morning hours. Activity begins with an introductory lesson through a professional training course that leads to complete independence. After this stage, trainees join the ongoing activity as full-fledged rowers, which includes regular weekly rowing, including trips to special activities in Eilat, Sea of Galilee and abroad.
The target audience is disabled IDF veterans, with an emphasis on lower limb amputees, PTSD victims and other physical injuries. Participants must have a basic swimming level, good physical fitness, and full control of the range of motion and muscle strength in the upper body.
The second subfield is Kitesurfing - in which the surfer is connected to a large kite using a trapeze and utilizes the power of the wind to surf on a special surfboard. The kite, controlled by the surfer, produces a pushing and propulsive force that allows the surfer to move across the water, jump and carry out exercises, while performing a combination of elements of windsurfing, wakeboarding and surfing.
The third sub-field is Wingfoil, an innovative water sport that combines a wing with a surfboard connected to a hydrofoil (a special fin), which allows the surfer to hover over the water with minimal friction, reach high speeds and perform sharp maneuvers. The wing is driven by wind power, and the hydrofoil, which has a wing-like design, creates lift that propels the surfboard out of the water.
Both Kitesurfing and Wingfoil activities are intended for surf-skiing and/or winter sports graduates - with an emphasis on amputees and lower body paraplegics. These activities require a background in wakeboarding, swimming ability, mental toughness and high physical fitness. It also require spontaneity, as changing weather conditions call for arrival at short notice for training.
The third area of activity of the Shevet Foundation: We organize unique field trips in the wonderful Israeli outdoors for members of the community, as well as collaborations with other associations and organizations. Field activities based on camping conditions, in a one-day or two-day format.
The field trips are very diverse and include hiking, jeep tours, bike tours, horseback riding, rappelling and more. Only a small number of participants can attend, and they enjoy full logistical management by the Shevet foundation's dedicated and professional volunteers - with a high level of quality and preciseness.
