In another thread, redrover brought up the aches and pains from old injuries, and how they can limit what she can now do.
With most of my major joints repaired over time, and unfortunately quite advanced osteoarthritis in my hands and feet for my age, I have found I have to make a number of accomodations for what I either can't do, or what is too painful to accomplish.
I don't put all my weight in one basket, for one thing. And when I do, for example, use camband weights for trimming out, I don't use something like Tobin's weight plates, which would pretty much obligate me to move the rig around at its full weight. I use camband weight pouches, so I can take the whole thing apart before I have to lift it or carry it very far.
I use big bolt snaps. They're much easier for arthritic fingers, especially when those fingers are cold. That's another reason why I use dry gloves, too -- Much easier with those stiff fingers!
I was really pleased with the foot and ankle support of the White's boots I got with the Fusion, which really made walking over broken surfaces in gear much more pleasant. Unfortunately, they were too big for me, and I had to give them up. All the similar boots I've been able to find either don't come in smaller sizes, or would still require I go up a size in fins, which turned out not to be a good option for my knees (sigh).
One change I haven't made yet (maybe typing this will motivate me) is to try going from inner tube loops on my backup lights to surgical tubing, which is still grippy but much more easily stretched. Deploying and restowing backup lights is one of the most difficult things for me to do in the water -- it HURTS!
So, what accomodations have you come up with for lack of strength, stamina, flexibility, or whatever as a result of wear and tear over the years?
With most of my major joints repaired over time, and unfortunately quite advanced osteoarthritis in my hands and feet for my age, I have found I have to make a number of accomodations for what I either can't do, or what is too painful to accomplish.
I don't put all my weight in one basket, for one thing. And when I do, for example, use camband weights for trimming out, I don't use something like Tobin's weight plates, which would pretty much obligate me to move the rig around at its full weight. I use camband weight pouches, so I can take the whole thing apart before I have to lift it or carry it very far.
I use big bolt snaps. They're much easier for arthritic fingers, especially when those fingers are cold. That's another reason why I use dry gloves, too -- Much easier with those stiff fingers!
I was really pleased with the foot and ankle support of the White's boots I got with the Fusion, which really made walking over broken surfaces in gear much more pleasant. Unfortunately, they were too big for me, and I had to give them up. All the similar boots I've been able to find either don't come in smaller sizes, or would still require I go up a size in fins, which turned out not to be a good option for my knees (sigh).
One change I haven't made yet (maybe typing this will motivate me) is to try going from inner tube loops on my backup lights to surgical tubing, which is still grippy but much more easily stretched. Deploying and restowing backup lights is one of the most difficult things for me to do in the water -- it HURTS!
So, what accomodations have you come up with for lack of strength, stamina, flexibility, or whatever as a result of wear and tear over the years?
