Our Story

Don Krebs was a skilled water skier from a young age, with a passion for the sport that led him to join The National Speed Boat and Water Ski Association and compete in races. Despite his success, tragedy struck during a race on Mission Bay in San Diego on May 21, 1978, when Don fell and broke his neck, suffering a C5-7 injury. Despite this setback, Don was determined to continue pursuing his dreams and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from California Lutheran University in 1985.

The following year, he enrolled in the university's MBA program and took a course in Entrepreneurship. It was during this course that he wrote a business plan for a mail-order company called Access to Recreation, which eventually became an eCommerce store. Don recognized the need for a company specializing in adaptive recreation and exercise equipment, as he had personally struggled to find a water ski that would allow him to return to the sport he loved following his injury.

A family legacy

In 2021, Jacquelyn Jewett, Don's niece, joined the family business and spent the next few years learning everything she could before Don retired in 2023. She worked with clients, government contracts, and vendors to help grow the company. Upon Don's retirement, Jacquelyn decided to relaunch the business as Able Rec. LLC, building on her uncle's foundation and focusing on tried and true products and adaptive equipment with the goal of helping people get back to the activities they love. Jacquelyn, who also holds an MBA from California Lutheran University and has experience growing technology-centric businesses, is leading the charge in this next chapter of Access to Recreation.

Introducing Able

Jacquelyn is passionate about the importance of adaptive sports and has seen firsthand the positive impact they can have on individuals with mobility issues. She believes that adaptive sports can improve health and strength, break down barriers and promote inclusion, boost self-confidence and self-esteem, and provide a sense of independence and empowerment. Her uncle's own journey with adaptive sports, including his determination and ability to overcome adversity, inspired her to pursue entrepreneurship and work to make adaptive sports more accessible to others.

"We're on a mission to get people back to the things they love." - Jacquelyn Jewett