Hey everyone, it’s Lorin Nicholson here—your legally blind guitarist, cyclist, and unapologetic thrill-seeker from Australia.
In 2021 I met up with Captain Shawn Kelly from Paradise Seaplanes and took a flight over the Sunshine Coast in Shawn’s rugged Wilga 80 Seaplane…
If you know me, you know I don’t let my disability clip my wings. I’ve got about 5% vision left, but that’s more than enough to chase adventures that light up my world. I traded my pedals for propellers on the Sunshine Coast, and headed up for an unforgettable flight with Paradise Seaplanes. And let me tell you, this wasn’t your average sightseeing spin—it’s a full-throttle sensory rush.
Why would a blind guy sign up for a scenic tour? Simple: “Seeing” isn’t just about eyes—it’s a full-bodied surround-sound symphony. My other senses? They’re supercharged. The rush of wind on my skin, the hum of engines vibrating through my bones, the salty tang of ocean air mixing with fuel—those paint the picture for me. I can imagine the coastline blurring by, piecing together glimpses from my peripheral view with the roar of waves below and the chatter of seabirds overhead. It’s all about those multi-layered memories that stick long after the moment fades.
Our pilot, Shawn Kelly, calls it an “adventure flight” for good reason. We’re flying in Willy, their Wilga 80 Seaplane—the quietest piston-engined bird in the world. Doors off, open cockpit style? It’s like skydiving sitting down. Shawn’s buzzing to hear my take: Can I really “tell what’s going on”? Spoiler: With the breeze whipping through and that engine’s gentle purr, I already feel alive in ways words can’t capture.
Shoutout to Paradise Seaplanes for making this inclusive—they tailor experiences for all abilities, no barriers. Stay tuned, friends—adventures like this remind us: The world’s wide open, senses wide awake.
