santa dave
11-11-2007, 10:52 AM
Hi, I hope I have placed this in the correct place & that an 'old guys" questions are OK :) I am looking for opinions on gear selection for my odd ball situation. Please bear with my explanation,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
I'm 52 with sever arthritis. I've had an active life outdoors & as a lineman for 30 years. Dr's want to replace both hips, do 2 back & shoulder surgery's & more. Asmath is an additional problem from exposer to batteries in 'thermal Runaway". Basically I am a 'train wreck'. now retired & 'disabled',,, but I had fun gettn' this way:)
Water/ pool exercise helped but the standard "workin' out with blue haired old gals" has limits & most Drs & PTs don't really know what do do with me.
I have been told by some DRs I'm 'On my own". But I do have 1-2 Dr's that work with me. OK, so much for "boo hoo poor me stuff" :)
I cant turn & breath "normally" while swimming but, with a mask & snorkel can keep my head straight & swim. I added fins & have gained a lot of strength & even lost a few LBs. I have discovered/ modified many stretches & exercises that I can do in/ under the water using the snorkeling gear. 99% of this is not in any book that I can find,, I'll have t write one:)
I now need to replace the Cheapie stuff I have & am looking for any opinions.
I have read this forum & others & have come this list of new gear....
Aqua Lung Pacifica with purge valve. I wear a full bead (I am a "real Bearded Santa") & this should allow the constantly leaking water to be easily purged.
Rocket 2 super fins ( I have 12+ feet) with a booties. I can then move to "boots" later if I improve enough to try swimming/snorkeling at the beach.
"Quick Release Straps" These are on the fins I have now & make it easier for me to get in & out of the fins. It seems these fit the Rocket 2
I might try the Shredder since it's cheaper & the budget is tight.
Deep see echo or Manta dive boot. I have trouble getting into regular socks due to my hips & the zippers should help getting into them. these will also avoid slipping near the pool. I have fallen in the past but not since I started the swimming. After reading the charts It looks like a 12 13 is the size
I am undecided on a new snorkel. I'll likely get one with a valve at the top.
I have a pricey one now but cant recall the name.
a larger diameter might be easier to breath through but I haven't seen one.
I notice the one sold here is a very simple model,,, that alone may "speak volumes"
Should this work out I am hoping to get out of the pool at the gym & swim /snorkel here in So Cal. La O.C. & Catalina area. It'll sure be nice to get out doors again
In time I'd like to pass this on the others in the situation. We Baby Boomer's are getting old.
Thanks for any ideas / thoughts on this matter
Santa Dave
I'm 52 with sever arthritis. I've had an active life outdoors & as a lineman for 30 years. Dr's want to replace both hips, do 2 back & shoulder surgery's & more. Asmath is an additional problem from exposer to batteries in 'thermal Runaway". Basically I am a 'train wreck'. now retired & 'disabled',,, but I had fun gettn' this way:)
Water/ pool exercise helped but the standard "workin' out with blue haired old gals" has limits & most Drs & PTs don't really know what do do with me.
I have been told by some DRs I'm 'On my own". But I do have 1-2 Dr's that work with me. OK, so much for "boo hoo poor me stuff" :)
I cant turn & breath "normally" while swimming but, with a mask & snorkel can keep my head straight & swim. I added fins & have gained a lot of strength & even lost a few LBs. I have discovered/ modified many stretches & exercises that I can do in/ under the water using the snorkeling gear. 99% of this is not in any book that I can find,, I'll have t write one:)
I now need to replace the Cheapie stuff I have & am looking for any opinions.
I have read this forum & others & have come this list of new gear....
Aqua Lung Pacifica with purge valve. I wear a full bead (I am a "real Bearded Santa") & this should allow the constantly leaking water to be easily purged.
Rocket 2 super fins ( I have 12+ feet) with a booties. I can then move to "boots" later if I improve enough to try swimming/snorkeling at the beach.
"Quick Release Straps" These are on the fins I have now & make it easier for me to get in & out of the fins. It seems these fit the Rocket 2
I might try the Shredder since it's cheaper & the budget is tight.
Deep see echo or Manta dive boot. I have trouble getting into regular socks due to my hips & the zippers should help getting into them. these will also avoid slipping near the pool. I have fallen in the past but not since I started the swimming. After reading the charts It looks like a 12 13 is the size
I am undecided on a new snorkel. I'll likely get one with a valve at the top.
I have a pricey one now but cant recall the name.
a larger diameter might be easier to breath through but I haven't seen one.
I notice the one sold here is a very simple model,,, that alone may "speak volumes"
Should this work out I am hoping to get out of the pool at the gym & swim /snorkel here in So Cal. La O.C. & Catalina area. It'll sure be nice to get out doors again
In time I'd like to pass this on the others in the situation. We Baby Boomer's are getting old.
Thanks for any ideas / thoughts on this matter
Santa Dave