Paddling out on the Queensland bay still brings the same joy to Mick Schuddinh as it did when he could see.
“Sport keeps you positive,” he told Vision Australia Radio.
“It’s a wonderful thing, the endorphins that you get from exercise are so invigorating and uplifting.
“That’s what life offers you when you get out and do things.”
The 67-year-old para-triathlete isn’t the type to stop an activity when an obstacle comes his way.
Diagnosed with the hereditary eye condition Retinitis Pigmentosa and losing the majority of his sight, Mick had to adapt. Retiring from his job as a financial advisor, he retrained to help others. As a remedial masseuse, Mick runs his own business and has time for a triathlon or two.
“There’s always something waiting to replace that sport, hobby or occupation that can make you happy,” he said.
“It just comes down to attitude in life, on how to approach things and deal with challenges.”
The right attitude was something Mick has worked towards after seeing others go down dark paths.
“My father didn’t accept it, his eyesight condition, and he became an angry person, and in that way chased away a number of people who would be happy to help him.”
Finding the right help to both keep his independence, but also continue to do the things he loved was key for Mick.
“I’ve got numerous members of our triathlon club offering to take me for our runs or do some ocean swimming which we do tethered,” he said.
With the help of Vision Australia he got a tandem bike so he could complete the course safely with the help of a ‘pilot’ or guide.
While he can’t surf the way he did once, you’ll still find him paddling out.
He is just on his ocean skis.
“It’s got foot pedals and a rudder, and is only 10kg,” he said.
Living in sunny Queensland, he regularly paddles around Green Island and often meets others on the water.
For Mick, the best piece of advice for those losing their eyesight is to adapt and stay positive. Seek out help, and don’t be afraid to alter your hobbies and activities to be more accessible.
More information about how Vision Australia can help you achieve your goals.
You can find out Mick's story in this audio interview below: