David’s Chair: Unlocking the Oregon Coast for Mobility Challenged Folks
Feel the salty ocean breeze against your face, the sound of crashing waves filling your ears, and the vast Pacific stretching endlessly before you. Now, imagine being told that all of this—the simple joy of rolling down the beach, feeling the sand beneath you, and watching the sunset at eye level—was out of reach. For many people with mobility challenges, the Oregon Coast’s rugged beauty has been an elusive dream. But thanks to David’s Chair Outdoor Mobility Systems, that dream is now a reality.
David’s Chair is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free all-terrain track chairs to individuals with mobility challenges, allowing them to explore places once deemed inaccessible. These motorized chairs are designed to tackle sand, dirt trails, and rough terrain, meaning the beach is no longer off-limits.
The organization was founded in honor of David Hartrick, an outdoorsman diagnosed with ALS, who was passionate about adventure. Instead of accepting that his diagnosis meant the end of outdoor exploration, David and his supporters worked to create a way for others facing similar challenges to regain their freedom. His legacy now lives on in every person who takes a track chair out for a spin along the Oregon Coast.
Where Can You Find David’s Chair on the Oregon Coast?
David’s Chair has placed all-terrain track chairs at various locations along the Oregon Coast, allowing more people to experience the magic of the shoreline. Here are some key places where you can reserve a chair and hit the beach:
Florence – Heceta Beach
📍 Where to Find It: Heceta Beach County Park (88466 1st Ave, Florence)
🦼 How to Reserve: Available through David’s Chair’s website.
Heceta Beach is a picture-perfect stretch of sand that’s perfect for rolling along the tide. With wide-open spaces and breathtaking views, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking to take an adaptive chair out for a ride.
Newport – Nye Beach
📍 Where to Find It: Newport Parks & Recreation Department
🦼 How to Reserve: Reservations can be made online through Newport Parks & Rec.
Nye Beach is one of the most charming and accessible beaches in Oregon. With a mix of sandy shores, local shops, and a historic vibe, it’s the perfect place to take in the stunning coastal scenery without worrying about accessibility barriers.
Gold Beach – Gold Beach Visitors Center
📍 Where to Find It: Gold Beach Visitors Center
🦼 How to Reserve: Book your track chair through David’s Chair’s website.
Gold Beach offers expansive, untamed beauty, and thanks to David’s Chair, you can roam freely along its stunning shoreline. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a whale or two in the distance!
Coos Bay – “Tow and Go” Chair
📍 Where to Find It: Available for transport
🦼 How to Reserve: Reserve through David’s Chair website and transport the chair to your desired location.
This “Tow and Go” system means you aren’t restricted to one beach—you can take the chair to your favorite spot along the coast! Perfect for those who have a special place in mind they’d like to explore.
Other Accessible Locations
David’s Chair isn’t the only organization working to make the coast more accessible. Track chairs and adaptive beach wheelchairs are also available at:
- Seaside
- Manzanita
- Netarts
- Pacific City
- Rockaway Beach
How to Reserve a David’s Chair Track Chair
Getting a David’s Chair for your adventure is easy:
1️⃣ Visit the Website – Go to davidschair.org and navigate to the reservations page.
2️⃣ Choose a Location – Decide where you want to explore and check availability. Some chairs are fixed in one location, others are part of the “Tow and Go” program.
3️⃣ Complete the Reservation – Fill out a quick form with your contact information and preferred dates.
4️⃣ Get Ready to Roll – Once you receive confirmation, all that’s left is to get out there and explore!
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
✔️ Plan Ahead – Chairs are in high demand, so book at least two weeks in advance if possible.
✔️ Weight Limit – Most track chairs support up to 350 lbs.
✔️ Towing Requirements – If you’re reserving a Tow and Go chair, you’ll need a vehicle that can tow up to 1,500 lbs and has a hitch receiver.
The Oregon Coast is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s a place where people go to clear their minds, reconnect with nature, and make lasting memories. But for far too long, those with mobility challenges have been excluded from these simple joys.
David’s Chair isn’t just about providing mobility—it’s about restoring freedom, adventure, and dignity to those who need it most. It’s about watching a child with mobility challenges race toward the waves, seeing a grandparent explore a beach they haven’t touched in years, or giving an injured veteran the chance to roll through the sand with their family once again.
Your Next Adventure Starts Now!
If you, a loved one, or someone you know could benefit from an all-terrain track chair, don’t hesitate to reserve one. It’s free, it’s easy, and it’s life-changing. The Oregon Coast is calling. Grab a David’s Chair, hit the beach, and experience the freedom of movement like never before.
