Shins. Not "shims" - shins.

[Chotu]

Does anyone else have this problem aside from me?

I feel like a freak when I put shorts on and everybody sees all the scars.

my shins are mangled from boats. Over and over and over again they get cut open.

it happens so often I don’t even feel it. There are no nerve endings left in my shins.

this is just the latest one from carrying a Jerry can up my transom steps and hitting my shin while doing that. Look below it. See all those scars? Those are permanent. And there are several more all over the place of varying shades. On both shins. From ankle to knee.

Unsightly business.

does this happen to you guys also?

[rslifkin]

I've always said that boats eat people. Random cuts and injuries just happen, although I'm not sure I've ever had one leave a scar.

[MicHughV]

My dr. prescribed blood thinners a while back, due to a stroke...so my legs also look like that....only a slight nudge can produce a cut like that and if happens on my right leg, I won't feel a thing..
I practice extra caution these days when moving around....my days of jumping around like a monkey are long gone...

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by MicHughV

My dr. prescribed blood thinners a while back, due to a stroke...so my legs also look like that....only a slight nudge can produce a cut like that and if happens on my right leg, I won't feel a thing..
I practice extra caution these days when moving around....my days of jumping around like a monkey are long gone...

Problem is, my brain doesn’t realize I got any older. my days of jumping around like a monkey are still here. Ha ha.

I guess I should learn to be more cautious like you are doing.

These scars are from building the boat, moving around on all of the boats I have on throughout my life, etc. And I think they get scars because they open again and again.

since I took a picture I’m actually looking at this more closely. That was a scab that I tore open. That’s going to scar.

knock on wood, I don’t get other injuries on boats. I just mangle and mutilate my shins.

[Brioche]

My brother and I both have thin skin and get bleeding scrapes easily -- but as they say, it is a long way from there to the heart, so we don't worry about it. As long as you wear shorts and flip flops you don't have to worry about blood on your clothes.

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by Brioche

My brother and I both have thin skin and get bleeding scrapes easily -- but as they say, it is a long way from there to the heart, so we don't worry about it. As long as you wear shorts and flip flops you don't have to worry about blood on your clothes.

Until you are at a fancy event wearing shorts and you look like a weirdo because you have scars and discoloration from your knee to your ankle from weekly cuts. Ha ha.

[hugosalt]

Same issue here, boats have tore up my legs. I long ago resorted to wearing long pants in summer (torture) but less dings on legs. In winter have sewn pads in pants and foulies.
Now if I could only work on less dings on my head/forehead!

[Danm1]

I have always maintained that I have a tool allergy. If I so much as pick up a screwdriver, blood pours spontaneously from somewhere on my head. Or maybe I bump it leaning into a locker. Anyway, I bleed a lot and it's not limited to on boats. Could happen changing a light bulb at home.

[neilpride]

I'm not kidding, I've used them.

[kayakerChuck]

I make boat canvas for a living, so I work with sharp, pointy things.

My body shows it.

[MicHughV]

I think it's a lifestyle thing....

If you sit on your butt in an office wearing long pants 12 hours a day.....you are unlikely to hurt yourself much...

On the other hand...if you are a sailor....you are more than likely wearing shorts, a t-shirt and flip-flops and constantly bumping into things...intentionally or not..

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by Danm1

I have always maintained that I have a tool allergy. If I so much as pick up a screwdriver, blood pours spontaneously from somewhere on my head. Or maybe I bump it leaning into a locker. Anyway, I bleed a lot and it's not limited to on boats. Could happen changing a light bulb at home.

Bump cap inserts. Fits inside most ballcaps and sun hats. Add some foam tape strips for fit and extra padding. A lot of mechanics wear them and you wouldn't even notice.

Great for old guys with thinning or no hair. But just good, all around. I wear one sailing just to help with the companionway and other minor bumps. $6.





https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Lig.../dp/B079KDWN62

[hugosalt]

"Bump cap inserts". Now there's an great idea!
Come to think of it, thinking I have had a bigger problem as I remember my grandmother
knitting me a whole bump cap made of yarn when I was a little guy.

I have a strange relationship with tools as well, every once in a while they just jump
overboard!

[LarryDW]

I have more shin scars from mountain biking, but in the last five years of cruising I’ve added a few more. Along with a couple of busted toes! I like being barefoot!

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by LarryDW

I have more shin scars from mountain biking, but in the last five years of cruising I’ve added a few more. Along with a couple of busted toes! I like being barefoot!

Funny fact about many years spent snowboarding when growing up:

The back of those shins are completely hairless thanks to the friction of riding constantly.

Burned away all hair follicles back there where the boots/bindings rub.

So yeah. I guess extreme sports can be even worse.