From: "PeterO" <rebyl_kayak_at_iprimus.com.au> > Are sandals appropriate foot gear or are they a real hazard? This discussion came up at lunch yesterday, with a bunch of us kayaking the weekend on Lake Opeongo in Algonquin Provincial Park. Most felt they were ok within limits, but I consider them more trouble than they are worth. The discussion started when Amie mentioned a friend who broke an ankle in three places while portaging a trail close to our lunch spot. Birkenstocks were to blame (no heel strap!!!). This was a few years ago and she was rescued by a water taxi that came by. The problem on land is that sandals don't provide any real support and the foot can slide around on the footbed - critical if you're carrying a load. I've never tried a sandal that can cinch tight enough to prevent this and still be comfortable. Even bringing a kayak up above the waterline on a relatively steep or rough beach can be a hazard in the wrong footgear - Amie fell doing this Saturday afternoon when her sandal hooked on a tree root - she still has a sore tailbone! In the kayak, I've felt the snagging problem is more risk than I'm willing to take. I've not enjoyed the few times when sandals have gotten caught on the footpegs even when not exiting, just moving around. My preference is for a full coverage shoe/sandal like those from 5-10 and other companies. They are mesh and neoprene almost everywhere, so there are few or no openings to snag but there is enough mesh to be cool and drain out water. They provide better support so the foot is secure within the shoe and the soles protect you on land. Mine have laces that I cut down to the minimum and close with a cordlock, so there are no loops to catch. Straps with buckles are better (I love the 5-10 version, but the largest size is too small for me - just!). The annoying thing about these is that sand gets in through the mesh, but never seems to get out through the mesh. John, another paddler yesterday who distrusts sandals, prefers the water shoes that swimmers and some sailboarders use. The soles on these are too thin for my liking. The perfect kayaking shoe hasn't been invented yet - there's a fortune to be made!! :-) Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon Aug 26 2002 - 15:17:56 PDT
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