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Todd Logan

The story of Todd Logan and the history of Adaptive Excursions

Born with a rare form of congenital bone fusion, Todd Logan was faced with a life-altering reality in late 2014. After dealing with a lifetime of injuries he would need to have his right leg amputated from the knee down. Not one to let the loss of his leg slow him down, he decided to make his passion his job and became a licensed fishing guide.

Driven by his desire to be the best fishing guide, he sought out the best boat available. Then, an 18 ft Willie Boat’s handicap-accessible drift boat presented itself. It was built with a rear transom and locking system for wheelchairs, powerchairs, and/or normal seats. Knowing he needed to learn more about the drift boat, Todd walked into Willie Boat and had the opportunity to meet Jim Bittle. This was the moment his job became a mission and an amazing partnership began.

Todd further educated himself in the need for recreational therapy. One quote he found, put the whole mission into perspective and why he is determined to take a drift boat and a dream to make this mission successful and create Adaptive Excursions.

“Therapeutic recreation uses treatment, education, and recreation services to help people with illness, disabilities and other conditions to develop and use their leisure in ways that enhance their health, functional abilities, independence and quality of life,” according to the American Therapeutic Recreation Association.

Everyone deserves a safe and secure way to enjoy the river without limitations. Adaptive Excursions is able to offer their expertise in fishing and other outdoor excursions to those who have mobility challenges and thought they would never have the chance to fish or do other activities again.

Therapeutic recreation has been proven to meet the needs of many groups, enhancing their health, functional abilities, and recovery. Our mission is to help children, people with mobility challenges and at-risk individuals to become productive citizens by providing a positive learning environment where they feel challenged, respected, and accountable as they strive to meet the demands and enjoyment of the outdoors.

The Rogue Valley in Oregon has a large fish guiding community, but nearly all are unable to provide outdoor recreation therapy and instructions to those who are low-income, displaced, or have physical limitations. They may not have the means, availability or equipment necessary to facilitate a guided fishing adventure to these individuals.

Adaptive Excursions has partnered with experienced outdoor professionals that include USCG Licensed Captains, Oregon State Licensed Fishing Guides, Oregon Fish and Wildlife Certified Angling Instructors, all of which are First Aid/CPR Certified. Having access to a handicap accessible drift boat allows our program to reach youth and individuals who may have physical and mental limitations.

We have had the pleasure of sharing the program’s beginning with many veteran’s, their families, the displaced youth and a wide range of disabled individuals who may have never experienced fishing or the Rogue River quite the way they did as spending a day with Todd Logan, our Project Director. From the start of the day, they are informed of the boat features and given a safety talk about the river and the conditions for the day. Each person processes this information either with excitement or some hesitation. Once the boat has launched, the changes begin. Hesitation becomes excitement, fears are overcome, and the day takes on a whole new meaning. The simple act of fishing teaches and rehabilitates on a level that no one expected to happen within a short amount of time. Yet, everyone who has experienced a day like this, steps off the boat knowing they are a changed person. This is the foundation that allows these individual the ability to build on a better future.

More details: https://www.adaptiveexcursions.com/what-we-do/