“Dream big, live simple and love life!” – Josh Dueck
#HighFivesAthlete Josh sustained a spinal cord injury in 2004 while skiing, leaving him completely paralyzed from the waist down. It was with the hope that one day Josh would be able to return to the places he loves (the mountains and the ocean) that gave him the courage to move forward and live his dreams.
The High Fives Crew got to spend time with Josh this week in the CR Johnson Healing Center before heading out for the High Five the Wave 4 Adaptive Surf Trip in Paia, Maui. Josh was involved in last years adaptive surf trip in Sea Girt, NJ, which motivated him to participate again this year. During Josh’s time in the Healing Center he was able to meet with Trainer Jack Powell on the Balanced Body Pilates Reformer & CoreAlign & meet with Healer Barbara Ferrero of Vitality Wellness and Primary Care with a 90 min acupuncture & massage treatment.
I had the chance to sit down with Josh and ask him a few questions regarding his present past and future plans, here is what he had to say.
What are you looking forward to most during the surf trip?
“The people, absolutely. Getting together old friends and meeting new ones. I’m excited to see #HighFivesAthletes Landon McGauley, Max Elles, Keith Gabel & of course Steve & Roy. Getting all of us in the same environment to share stories and connect is going to be great. After watching the newest High Fives Video, ‘Lottery of Life | The Jocelyn Judd Story’ and then finding out she would be joining us on the surf trip was a treat.”
What are your goals for the surf trip?
“I have surfed before but living and adventuring in Hawaii is going to be a little different (warmer) than New Jersey, so I want to do some solid carves.”
Have you ever worked on a CoreAlign or Pilates Balanced Body machine before?
“Never. I do believe the movement and pattering is great. I can’t do a crunch but do have control of my abdominals, although I rarely have the chance to activate them. The CoreAlign allowed that to happen!”
What are your plans when you get back from Hawaii?
“Spend a few weeks in Truckee in the Healing Center. I want to regain my balance and be grounded for a while after the winter season. I can do that because my wife, 18 month old daughter and I recently bought an Airstream travel trailer.”
