Beach Wheelchairs Roll into Vallarta-Nayarit with Beach Crossers
Terrie Gaughan - Beach Crossers

February 21, 2015
EnglishFrenchSpanish

Is there anything better than a stroll on the beach with a beautiful sunset on a warm Vallarta evening? Many people have mobility limitations that in the past made that experience unattainable.

With Beach Crossers in town, people who could not get to the beach in the past are taking an evening “roll” with family and friends.

Beach Crossers launched their business last summer and immediately began to get calls and requests through their website.

The owners, Terrie and Sheri were inspired to start this venture by their mom, Shirley, who unfortunately passed away before they got started. According to Terrie, “She will always be part of the business. She taught us to care about others, follow our dreams, and that we were capable of doing great things if we were willing to work hard.”

There are 4 manufacturers of wheelchairs specially designed for use on beach surfaces. Beach Crossers is now the national distributors for 3 of them here in Mexico.

1. The Debug wheelchair is great for most people. It has big balloon tires and scoots across sand and cobblestone with ease. It fits through standard sized doors without removing the wheels. It has an elevating foot rest and comes with a cup holder and umbrella.

2. The Hippocampe will meet the needs of a select few. It is low to the ground for easy transfer to the sand, kayak or jet ski. It is meant to be self propelled by the client that is used to getting around without assistance. If you have perfected your “hop,” this chair is the right choice for you. It also fits through a standard door without removing the wheels.

3. The Sand Rider is a sporty choice. With a high seat, this chair is easy to get in and out of. It crosses the sand and cobblestone easily. It has a comfortable relaxed seat position and comes with a cup holder.

Beach Crossers has helped many people to the beach since last summer. Zach, a 21 year old young man who has lived his life in a wheelchair, Nicole, an adorable little one who spent the day in a beach stroller, Anita and Wayne who each had injuries on the 2nd day of vacation.

It’s not just the person sitting in the chair that benefits. Lawrence brought his 90 year old blind mother to Vallarta and having a beach wheelchair was really helpful. Mike had his granddaughter, Lindsey, 12, who has Cerebral Palsy.

Terrie, one of the owners says, “The best part of Beach Crossers is when we take the chairs to one of the resorts and find someone to give it to for the day. We’ve seen so many tears of joy since we started that I really look forward to this being my future.” We watched one day as Terrie and Sheri found just such a person. This elderly gentleman was at Paradise Village poolside with his family. Terrie approached and offered the Sand Rider for the day. The gentleman was nonverbal, but his smile and the smiles of his family members spoke of memories that will last a lifetime.

What’s ahead for Beach Crossers? According to Sheri, “We are planning to get an accessible van so we can help our clients get around Vallarta a bit easier.” This is good news for locals and tourists alike as finding a ride when you are not able to get out of your chair is more than challenging.

We can’t wait to see what’s ahead for Beach Crossers. We are lucky to have this family and this business in our community.

Beach Crossings has a large inventory of all types of mobility equipment. Check out Beach Crossers for more information.

Read related: Beach Wheelchairs and More Mobility Rentals at Beach Crossers Puerto Vallarta

This content was submitted by a member of the community. We'd like to hear from you, too! To share stories, photos, video or events, please send them here.

  Learn about DIVAC Handicap Services of Vallarta

  Learn about Clinica de Rehabilitacion Santa Barbara

  Check out TalaveraEtc Quality Mexican Pottery and Tile

We invite you to add your charity or supporting organizations' news stories and coming events to PVAngels so we can share them with the world. Do it now!

From the Bay & Beyond

Celebrate a Healthy Lifestyle

Health and WellnessFrom activities like hiking, swimming, bike riding and yoga, to restaurants offering healthy menus, Vallarta-Nayarit is the ideal place to continue - or start - your healthy lifestyle routine.

News & Views to Staying Healthy

Discover Vallarta-Nayarit

Banderas Bay offers 34 miles of incomparable coastline in the states of Jalisco and Nayarit, and home to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit's many great destinations.