Darol Kubacz summits Kilimanjaro - New paraplegic World Record
Thu, Sep 4, 2008 -
On Saturday 16th August 2008, Darol Kubacz achieved his dream of becoming the first paraplegic to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro purely under his own power. Reaching 18,400ft, Darol completed the grueling climb in 10 days and sat higher than any other paraplegic has climbed without help.
The upper stages of Kilimanjaro, with 45 degree slopes, are no place for a wheelchair.
We’ve talked about previous attempts by paraplegics to climb Kilimanjaro in a wheelchair, including Darol’s last attempt that almost killed him, and it’s obvious that Darol’s determination and planning played just as big a part as his equipment. Using a standard One-Off Titanium all-terrain handcycle that Darol modified himself, fitted with fat tires for the soft upper slopes of Kilimanjaro and a front mounted winch to pull himself up the steeper sections. On the final upper stages, notoriously steep and unstable thanks to large scree slopes, Darol made use of a body sled and rope climbing system to haul himself into the record books.
As soon as Darol recovers and gets back from Africa we hope to get some more details of the assault on Africa’s highest peak, and we’re especially looking forward to the documentary of the trip. If you didn’t see the ‘One Man’s Ascent To Freedom‘ teaser trailer then be sure to check it out.
Tags: Adventures, Events, extreme, handcycle, hiking, News, off-road, People, rock climbing, sports
October 6th, 2008 at 10:24 am
An incredible accomplishment! Half of the climbers that attempt the mountain fail, so Darol’s feat is very impressive.
October 8th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
If you know Darol Kubacz, then you know about Adaptive Adventures. Congratulations on the achievement and thanks for referring me to http://www.AdaptiveAdventures.com. As the first parapelegic to reach the peak of Kilimanjaro and drive a BMW M3 and let others know about how Adaptive Adventures is the most incredible adventure oorganizaiton helping parapalegics enjoy the outdoors like never before. Darol Kubacz, adapative adventures, Darol Kubacz, Kilimanjaro, support http://www.DarolKubacz.com.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Yeah Man!
November 12th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
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November 16th, 2008 at 1:15 am
D-
I am really proud of you! I knew you could and would do it! Congratulations to you & to all who will follow in your wheel tracks!
Love ya-
V
November 20th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
I am totally impressed and happy for “THE MAN”! I have done outdoor adventures too and understand the significance of Darol’s climb!
Climb on Darol!