Pain Free Sailing

[thinwater]

Honestly, I get less tired and few bruises from sailing than I did when I was 20-something. I singlehand more every year. I don't makes as many mistakes. But there is always room for improvement. What are your secrets?

• Fewer mistakes... obviously. Mostly, things need forced when you did it wrong.
• Power assist. Windlass, better purchases, power winches maybe.
• Ergonomics. I added a step in the companionway this fall, and I've added steps to every boat I've ever owned. Bad knee from college accident. Also non-skid and more hand holds.
• Learn to move smart. I can move across a wild deck faster and more safely than when I was 20. But with my knee, that requires forethought.
• PT. My back went south when I was about 40, probably a result of walking funny with a bad knee for 20 years. So I do specific exercises daily, that really help.
• Drugs. Mostly, they just allow me to do too much, so I save those until I get home.
• Heat and cold. Mostly cold is the right answer, for stopping muscle spasms and preventing excessive swelling.
• Better clothes. Heat, cold, but also padding and braces as needed. Better shoes and gloves. Hats and sunscreen.

[hpeer]

Ibuphrophen.

Joking aside just living on the boat I feel better than living off the boat. Fewer aches and pains, more nimble. 68.

[boatman61]

Aint no such thing..
But.. Who cares..

[Szczecin]

Take care to not get dehydrated, even you don't feel thirsty at the moment.

[hpeer]

Thanks for mentioning hydration. For me this has been a big deal. I’ve always felt I hydrated well but recently have come to realize that I need to do more. If not adequately hydrated I get various aches and pains, best described as low level inflammation. Arthritis and when bad, gout.

I have no clue how typical my symptoms are, and it’s taken me a very long time to sort it out. But clearly sometimes I need a LOT of water.