I’m looking
for some suggestions regarding putting handles on my board?
I’ve had
Arthritis for more years than I care to count, but the last couple of years I
have been improving leaps and bounds. I’m now at the point where I can get back
on my board, although there is one little problem I need to nut out.
The RA hasn’t
been all that kind to my wrists, so much so that they are stuck in one
position. My left wrist isn’t too bad as it has got stuck in a position where I
can still put pressure on my palm, so I could get away with holding onto the
side of the board. The right wrist is no good though, as it wantsto go to Mardi Gras......thus the only push I
have with this hand is between my thumb and index finger.
So the
solution would be to have handles that I can actually wrap my fingers and thumb
around. I’ve got a shaper helping me, and it was suggested attaching a couple
of sanding handles (with some alterations) to my board.
This would
be a workable solution, but what would be the best way to attach them to the
board. Maybe someone has got some examples of something similar that has been
done?
The handles
would be imbedded into the board, half way between where my sholders and hip
lie when I’m about to catch a wave. In theory I should be able to bend my arm
at a 45 deg angle and find the handles, load my arms with some grip strength
and push to my feet. I’ve been practicing this on dry land, and it seems to
work well.
Anyhow,
enough information for now I think, any suggestions much appreciated.
kneeboards --sunken rope handles.
However, I would not casually recommend these.
One trip over the falls, at your age or physical conditioning level ,
with fingers gripped on or around the handles
will add a broken wrist or arm to your maladies.
Nice handles, that’s spot on what I’m going to do. I have also considered a kneeboard. I’ve got a brand new SUP Starboard Pocket Rocket, which has been a lot of fun, but the urge to bet back on a short board has taken over, although SUP’s can be ridden like the short boards with the right skill levels.
I’m going to stick the handles on my 8’ 8" Epoxy Longboard. It’s 22" across, so there is just enough room for the handles either side of my waist.
Point taken Kneelorob, I plan to start out on a longboard, and work my way back to something like a Fish. But I won’t be pulling into any sucky pits for sometime.
I’ve been inspired by Bonga Perkins on his longboard, the extra glide, and early down the face is what I’m looking for.
Don’t want to get to of topic, but this seems like a good place to give some people in the surf community, with my condition, some hope.
I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2000, I’m now 39. The first couple of years were the hardest times I’ve ever been through. The Doc prescribed all kinds of nasties, which I took for the first year. Once I accepted that the Rheumatologists didn’t have a solution, I started doing my own research, and discovered the benefits that diet alterations could have for my condition. From the beginning of 2002 till March 2008 I managed the condition completely with diet and dietary supplements. Initially I did an elimination diet, removing most foods, and kept a diary. I identified all food sources that triggered the condition. Go here for the diet:
Since March 2008 I’ve been on antibiotic therapy for the condition. I take Minocycline in small doses, and probiotics (good bacteria) to keep the stomach in order. I still don’t eat any dairy, and avoid sugar. I’ve improved leaps and bounds ever since. I started back at the gym in February this year, and could hardly push 5 kg dumbbells on the bench. I’m now holding onto 15kg dumbbells, and no real discomfort in the wrists the next day. I can paddle a SUP around for a couple of hours, and now I’m ready to get back on the board.
Hope this message finds it’s way to people who can use it. Never give up hope is my motto, and don’t listen to anyone (including Doctors, especially Rheumatologists) that try to take that hope away from you.
I can't add anything useful here, but isn't that dog's butthole smudging the rail of the board in unclegrumpy's photo? Damn dogs are all the same. No respect. Gotta love em though. Sorry. Mike
I would be thinking about making the handles either “moveable or removeable”
How about using some of those little box things that they use on wake boards for screwing the straps into,
you could put a row of maybe 3 on either rail going length wise down the board.
Then you could make your own handle design from anything and have the ability to move it up or down the board.
My only other thought was about someones comment of being caught in the handle during take off,
to counteract this a little, think about using a “L” shaped handle, like a door handle,
or better yet, (comes to me whilst writing) how about “KNOBS” like small cupboard or door knobs ?
Hey Greeno, just a thought--- how about using shortboard tail grip pads , you know the raised knob at the back , that your rear foot goes against ??---- stick em on the rails to push against when you take off on a wave
