Select to expand quoteGasHazard said..
I used to play piano professionally and I always used gloves. But what was available in the last century was kind of bulky, expensive, and a bit annoying to wear. Da Kine were ok. Then I discovered Atlas nitrile gloves and never looked back. $4-6 in the USA, light, flexible, they last more than a season, fit as a second skin and make my hands very happy.
Select to expand quoteImax1 said..
I use shorter harness lines.
I found that even with short lines, I work the boom a lot. Is this just my bad technique or do others do this to extract the maximum out of their rig?
I can't imagine professional sailors always leaving their rigs in a static position, even on a long reach.
I use $30 fingerless fishing gloves from BCF. They work a treat and last about a season.
During 37 years of windsurfing (max of 90 days a year), I have never had a blister. I always wear gloves, many brands over the years. I build calluses with the gloves. I also lift weight twice a week with no gloves, which helps build calluses. Nothing significant, and they peel off from time to time.
I get sailing gloves from Westmarine and coat the fabric parts, especially on the grip side of the fingers, with a thin layer of Seamgrip, gloves have lasted 6 years so far, and Seamgrip has not worn out. The trick is to coat the fabric panels on the gloves with Seamgrip when new, before the fabric starts to tear or wear out.
Haven't worn gloves or tape windsurfing since the beginner days. Haven't had one blister or torn callous in +25 years. Just what has worked for me. Toughen up the hands and keep them in good condition.
Nolan Ryan myth or truth. He would soak his throwing hand in a pickle jar juice after each workout. It works for windsurfing. Pickle juice or vinegar soak after a session to keep the harder skin from cracking or tearing. Back on Maui in the spring of '99 my new windsurfing friends sort of laughed at me. Until day whatever. My hands had nice supple "callouses" while some of them were wave sailing in discomfort. First days of the season for all of us. Next year the vinegar tx was adopted by some.
No vinegar available on the last 3 Red Sea trips. End of the season windsurfing vacations. Hands were windsurf hardened. Used Burt's or Badger Balm at the end of everyday. Kept the tough skin intact.
Select to expand quoteGasHazard said..
Have a cute girl kiss it before you head out
Use a skinny (diameter) boom. I have both, and the reduced diameter boom is far less wearing on hands, so the old ones are now just gathering dust.
Black Seed Oil - nigella sativa - is very good for cracked dry skin and many other skin problems as well.
