Recently,
Porta-Bote International's Canadian Distributor received an
intriguing phone call from a gentleman by the name of Lawrence
Euteneier who resides in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Lawrence
explained that he has been an avid fisherman and boater since
his earliest years. This is where the story takes a dramatic
turn from the ordinary. Lawrence has been registered
blind since the age of eight. Even though Lawrence
is now without sight, his passions continue to be boating, fishing
and helping other individuals achieve a better quality of life
through ongoing research.
Lawrence explained that he had a project that he wondered if
we could help him with. Using a 12 foot folding Porta-bote,
he wanted to create the World's First Fishing Boat for people
without sight.
A lofty goal indeed, Craig thought, until his brother in law
Rodger and he drove to Ottawa and met Lawrence and his family
in person. After they met Lawrence it was impossible to say
no. He is a very intelligent, engaging character who has a great
zest for life, especially the great outdoors. Lawrence has a
great theory about life that really stuck in Craig's mind. "You
should not be afraid to take risks in life as long as they are
well thought out, calculated, manageable risks."
Lawrence figured he could calculate and minimize the risks of
sightless boating with technology available from many sources.
Lawrence
already had his " Blind Fishing Boat Project" well
in motion. He had contacted companies that supplied him with
a talking compass, hand-held sonar, beeping locater tags, automobile
reverse sensors, the latest in GPS technology, and numerous
other devices. It is propelled up to 6 km / p / h with a MinnKota
Maxxum electric trolling motor.
Craig
helped Lawrence
assemble the Porta-bote one time, by guiding his hands over
the hull, and explaining the design of the Porta-bote as he
went. Lawrence felt very confident that he could assemble the
boat by himself. Lawrence did so and successfully used his porta-bote
for numerous fishing outings in including some tournament fishing.
Lawrence
has received both the "Meritorious Service Medal"
from the Governor General and the Federal Public Service Award
in " Excellence " for his ground breaking work in
the field of technology for people with disabilities. Lawrence
possesses a Masters in Environmental Science for which he traveled
and lived abroad in Canada's far north and Sweden.
He gives public appearances of the Blind Fishing Boat showcase
technology for fishers and boaters with limited or no sight.
Lawrence
also reports on fishing techniques that can be mastered by such
fishers and on equipment that is ideally suited for their use.
Lawrence
also attends fishing and boating shows and is always willing
to speak about his research and experiences on the water at
public events or club meetings.
