"If your friend has the will, there is always a way, it all depends upon determination and keeping your eyes on the outcome you want."

What I've learnt from this experience is that proper equipment/condition selection do matter, but most of all, I totally agree with you Darren, it's all in your head.
Sam had a very positive attitude towards the whole thing -I reckon I was more anxious than he was- and he's the one who did it all.
If he had been out there thinking it wasn't going to work, it most likely wouldn't have. There are no limitations when it comes to mind strenght and the point is, if you want it you can achieve it.
Sam is to me an outstanding example that there are no problems that can't be solved, and I hope that his success will encourage all the other people who were once told to give up the sport they loved.