Here is the basic deal.Fifty four years old and in dire need of a hip replacement,used to be a good surfer but not any more.He needs to get back into the water to get the stoke going before it is too late.No way that he can push up and stand on a board…used to have a lot of fun riding in the “prone” position on a regular board but doesn’t like the feel of a boogie board.He is around 175 lbs. and out of shape…wants to get a custom shape that can be ridden like a belly board using a combination of paddling and swim fins…most of the turning will be done by dragging an arm versus putting it on a rail.Due to the weakness of the hip swim fins will be a secondary factor.Any suggestions on this?
Here is the basic deal.Fifty four years old and in dire need of a hip > replacement,used to be a good surfer but not any more.He needs to get back > into the water to get the stoke going before it is too late.No way that he > can push up and stand on a board…used to have a lot of fun riding in the > “prone” position on a regular board but doesn’t like the feel of > a boogie board.He is around 175 lbs. and out of shape…wants to get a > custom shape that can be ridden like a belly board using a combination of > paddling and swim fins…most of the turning will be done by dragging an > arm versus putting it on a rail.Due to the weakness of the hip swim fins > will be a secondary factor.Any suggestions on this? …I have a friend who is over weight from having a heart attack and was looking for a way to get into the water again.I remember when i was at Makaha these big brudda kine guy’s were riding these giant boggie board’s.They sure did look like fun.I mean BIG boggie board’s.Anyway ive E.mailed them today and am trying to find out where i can find one for my friend.Anybody know about these things?
Any help is appreciated.Is surfing the fountain of youth?
I was just reading Solarez web site and they make the Bully Board. It sound like what your friend might be after. http://solarez.com/bullyboard/ie/
Here is the basic deal.Fifty four years old and in dire need of a hip > replacement,used to be a good surfer but not any more.He needs to get back > into the water to get the stoke going before it is too late.No way that he > can push up and stand on a board…used to have a lot of fun riding in the > “prone” position on a regular board but doesn’t like the feel of > a boogie board.He is around 175 lbs. and out of shape…wants to get a > custom shape that can be ridden like a belly board using a combination of > paddling and swim fins…most of the turning will be done by dragging an > arm versus putting it on a rail.Due to the weakness of the hip swim fins > will be a secondary factor.Any suggestions on this? I almost hesitate to say this but I swear I know a guy who had bilateral hip replacement surgery and he stand-up surfs! Maybe there is hope for your friend.
We really are fortunate to be able to participate in the beautiful art of surfing and all of its disciplines. Physical condition permitting, my first recommendation to your friend would be to try a surfmat. I recently began riding one and it has been nothing short of a life changing experience. There are also surf-skis and windsurfing boards. I didn’t get a chance to read it in detail, but I saw an interesting article on ultralight canoes in the most recent edition of The Surfer’s Journal. Regarding large bodyboards, I believe a company called Wahoo makes rescue skis and oversized bodyboards. You may also want to try Turbo Surf in Hawaii (http://www.turboworld.com), I believe they do custom boards. I saw a tandem bodyboard at Walmart that was about the width of two boards. I wish your friend the best of luck.
Just a note on Bully Boards, Solarez and Wahoo (makers of rescue sleds)… apparently the same company.
Just a note on Bully Boards, Solarez and Wahoo (makers of rescue sleds)… > apparently the same company. …John,thank’s for the info.I phoned my bud and gave him the site.He is way stoked.Your right the two company’s are the same.There in Oceanslime.I’ll be going down there for Diff’s paddel out at WindanSea the 6th and 7th of Sept.If anyboby want’s to see the cream of the crop in the way of shaper’s,be there for a good time for one of the best there ever was.Thank’s again for the time.I love this site.J.A. And Kokua Fiberglass.Thank you too.
Here is the basic deal.Fifty four years old and in dire need of a hip > replacement,used to be a good surfer but not any more.He needs to get back > into the water to get the stoke going before it is too late.No way that he > can push up and stand on a board…used to have a lot of fun riding in the > “prone” position on a regular board but doesn’t like the feel of > a boogie board.He is around 175 lbs. and out of shape…wants to get a > custom shape that can be ridden like a belly board using a combination of > paddling and swim fins…most of the turning will be done by dragging an > arm versus putting it on a rail.Due to the weakness of the hip swim fins > will be a secondary factor.Any suggestions on this? If you’re ever up in Santa Cruz and what to talk to someone who can shape you something that will really work for you. check in with me I’ll introduce to a shaper with the kind of experience that will serve your special needs. Glad to help if I can. Good Surfing’ Rich
a friend of mine has both hips replaced and has been standup surfing on a long board for the last 3 years–he is careful–he ride pretty regular at Bolsa and Newport pier
a friend of mine has both hips replaced and has been standup surfing on a > long board for the last 3 years–he is careful–he ride pretty regular at > Bolsa and Newport pier The sad thing is that he can’t afford the procedure…we are talking upwards of 30 grand plus or minus.Health care in this great country of ours is out of control thanks to blood sucking lawyers that inflate malpractise insurance for honest doctors.I could go on and on about this subject but what is the use?Swaylocks is not political forum.Surfing is kinda like a fountain of youth and I am going to get him back in the water one way or another…thanks for the input.
Best of Luck and know however you surf its good!!
Here is the basic deal.Fifty four years old and in dire need of a hip > replacement,used to be a good surfer but not any more.He needs to get back > into the water to get the stoke going before it is too late.No way that he > can push up and stand on a board…used to have a lot of fun riding in the > “prone” position on a regular board but doesn’t like the feel of > a boogie board.He is around 175 lbs. and out of shape…wants to get a > custom shape that can be ridden like a belly board using a combination of > paddling and swim fins…most of the turning will be done by dragging an > arm versus putting it on a rail.Due to the weakness of the hip swim fins > will be a secondary factor.Any suggestions on this? I’ve read the other responses and would add a few comments. Hip replacements - if you are still active they tend to wear out - sometimes in as few as 3-4 years! Definitely think that through, and keep your insurance payments current. Prone boards- the Bully Board (huge bodyboards) are supposed to be a lot of fun, but if your friend can’t use/rely on swimfins he needs to make sure he can arm paddle the things. Wide, eh? Sometimes could be hard to duck waves too. Might be better off with a custom bellyboard, bodyboard (many companies offer this; check the websites, quite reasonable), the mat, or even a kneeboard ridden prone if he wants the action but not the bodyboard feel. Szabad International is one company in the soft equipment realm which offers all - small boards, performance fish, bodyboards, and customs. They’re on the web too. Hope it works out. Nels http://www.vagabondsurf.com/TheFarShore.html
I’ve read the other responses and would add a few comments.>>> Hip replacements - if you are still active they tend to wear out - > sometimes in as few as 3-4 years! Definitely think that through, and keep > your insurance payments current.>>> Prone boards- the Bully Board (huge bodyboards) are supposed to be a lot > of fun, but if your friend can’t use/rely on swimfins he needs to make > sure he can arm paddle the things. Wide, eh? Sometimes could be hard to > duck waves too. Might be better off with a custom bellyboard, bodyboard > (many companies offer this; check the websites, quite reasonable), the > mat, or even a kneeboard ridden prone if he wants the action but not the > bodyboard feel.>>> Szabad International is one company in the soft equipment realm which > offers all - small boards, performance fish, bodyboards, and customs. > They’re on the web too. Hope it works out.>>> Nels I am going to go with the hand shaped knee board type idea,thinking of something around 5 feet or more 23 wide…fat blunt 20 inch nose and a full 3 inches thick or more.I just cant figure out tha tail…maybe a big wide deep swallow with Greenough type single fin or do you think another fin set up is better? The surfer is 175 lbs. and out of shape I think that using swim fins may help.Maybe even glue some of that soft foam on the deck?I really want to thank you guys for all the input…still would like to hear more.If I do this what blank would be best?I have a whacked out 10’y that might work.
I am going to go with the hand shaped knee board type idea,thinking of > something around 5 feet or more 23 wide…fat blunt 20 inch nose and a > full 3 inches thick or more.I just cant figure out tha tail…maybe a big > wide deep swallow with Greenough type single fin or do you think another > fin set up is better? The surfer is 175 lbs. and out of shape I think that > using swim fins may help.Maybe even glue some of that soft foam on the > deck?I really want to thank you guys for all the input…still would like > to hear more.If I do this what blank would be best?I have a whacked out > 10’y that might work. My stunted design experience and frequent out-of-shapeness would lead me to offer the following: Using swim fins will be “necessary” (more comfortable for him) with a board that short, even if it’s thick. His fins shouldn’t be too powerful (read “stiff”) or he’s going to stress the hips more. Also for comfort the swallow/fish tail might not be the best idea. A diamond tail is someting to consider, as is a squaretail, or bodyboard-style “bat tail”. Dean Cleary has kneeboards on his website, and that might give some ideas. Most kneeboarders put a layer of neoprene on their decks these days. My thought on the fin setup - mine has twin fins, which are good on critical takeoffs, but after riding it prone for a couple of years I would rather have had a singlefin for flow/trim considerations. Others use thruster or 2 plus 1 setups. Last - many kneeboards have the leash cup/attachment near the tail, based on kneeling on a kneeboard (common sense). If it’s going to be ridden prone consider putting the attachment nearer the nose for use with an arm leash. Check the link below for some photos and links. Nels http://www.vagabondsurf.com/AlternativeVehicles.html
I am going to go with the hand shaped knee board type idea,thinking of > something around 5 feet or more 23 wide…fat blunt 20 inch nose and a > full 3 inches thick or more.I just cant figure out tha tail…maybe a big > wide deep swallow with Greenough type single fin or do you think another > fin set up is better? The surfer is 175 lbs. and out of shape I think that > using swim fins may help.Maybe even glue some of that soft foam on the > deck?I really want to thank you guys for all the input…still would like > to hear more.If I do this what blank would be best?I have a whacked out > 10’y that might work. I think the kneeboard idea is the ticket since this fellow is probably going to kick AND arm paddle off and on. I say this since I kneeboard, as well as standup surf, and find I can switch or combine the two as needed. My wife, the OT (Occupational Therapist)points out that this guy probably doesn’t have the upper body strength to paddle full time, especially if the board is a not good paddle board so kicking should be an option. I ride a Romo quad round pin kneeboard 5’x22" with a 15.5" tail that works great prone as well. Good Luck. I thinks it’s great that your trying to keep this fellow in the water.
I think the kneeboard idea is the ticket since this fellow is probably > going to kick AND arm paddle off and on. I say this since I kneeboard, as > well as standup surf, and find I can switch or combine the two as needed. > My wife, the OT (Occupational Therapist)points out that this guy probably > doesn’t have the upper body strength to paddle full time, especially if > the board is a not good paddle board so kicking should be an option. I > ride a Romo quad round pin kneeboard 5’x22" with a 15.5" tail > that works great prone as well. Good Luck. I thinks it’s great that your > trying to keep this fellow in the water. Wow this is great input…but I guess its time confess.The handicapped surfer that I talk about is me.Guess my ego got in the way…I aplogize.I am getting really stoked about this…I think the main thing that bugs me is that I used to be a pretty good surfer but I know for a fact that I am now an old kook.I shape a lot of custom boards and my clients beg me to get back into the water but I just feel sorry for myself and shrug it off,I just turned down a free trip to Costa Rica for the same insane reason.I think that the right design on a board for prone surfing will alter my life…I love this sport and am sitting on the sidelines for no reason outside of my own whacky insecurities.Hell I am getting friggin mushy here but I gotta get in the water again.Do any of you guys know of any similiar stories such as mine?
You may also want to try Turbo Surf in > Hawaii (http://www.turboworld.com), I believe they do custom boards. I have a Turbo Surf Designs knee/body board from the '80s. … Incredible board! Lightning speed, drives and turns on a dime. Glad to see another fan.
Your story brings back memories of when I had a severly ruptured disc(L4,L5). I could not even walk for six month’s. I was on tons of pain killers, I lived 4 houses up from the beach and could not even get up to use the bathroom. I went from surfing every day, being constantly active, to being flat on my back. I was depressed. I finally opted for surgery even though there was a chance that it might not be completely succesful. But I knew I had to live again. Luckily it was for the best. You gotta try, man. I wish I was there to drag you in the water, but I have a feeling you will be dragging yourself to the water, and that my, friend, will be the start of life again. Who knows you might be so stoked you will be skipping up and down the beach like Pat O’connell in endless summer II. Now, mother ocean is calling.