Wanted to get peoples' opinions on pros/cons of booties...I know it could be an issue getting into straps (but I am not up to that yet anyway). However, some of the newer booties are almost like a 2nd skin.

On a recent trip to Java I purchased a pair of FCS reef booties and they fit well. I have no issues surfing in them. For Windsurfing I think I will wear them when I am working with my daughter or in murky water until I am comfortable with not falling off regularly.

Having been stung once a few years ago by a small ray when fishing in shallow water I can assure you the pain is indescribable..the only thing that relieved it was a dash home and placing foot in as hot a bath of water as I could stand. Still have the scar/lump 7 years later.

Does anyone wear them or will I be considerd a "wuss" if I show up in them?

I also like to wear a shortjohn even in the middle of summer as it provides both a level of comfort and protection. Even considering donning the Gath in case I get a knock to the scone..but at the level I am its probably not going to be an issue until I get up to speed.

I forgot to wear my booties on 3 occasions, each time I got a bad cut from oysters, coral and rocks....

I never used to wear them overseas and in VIC as everywhere I sailed I was almost always out of my depth and never wore them.

Here in Perth I sail Lucky Bay, Peli Point, Woodies, Eneabba... i.e. lots of places that are shallow. My first season here I was cutting my feet every week, so started wearing 'em.

BTW, a pair of booties won't stop a ray. A mate had one punch clean through his knee (missing everything important fortunately). Nasty things.

I recommend them, never used to wear them back when I was younger, but saves all the cuts and scrapes from the shells, coral and volcanic rock, etc.
Used 2mm O'neils for 2 years and recently upgraded to Ripcurl 1mm e-bombs which are fantastic, hardly know you are wearing them. Don't have a problem getting in and out of the straps at all.
With 2 mm's adjusted the foot straps a bit bigger but with the 1mm's I don't think you have to bother.

Beaglebuddy said...
I wish the blasted things wouldn't fill up with water like clown shoes, why can't they fit a one way valve?

I agree, its bloody annoying when they fill up. I wear mine for grip on the board as I dont have straps.

I Recommend them, makes for safer shallow water starts in rocky conditions

I usually wear them when air and temperature is below 17 degrees celsius. Or if there are urchins present in the shallow water. 2 weeks ago, it was really warm and I didn't want to wear them, but I forgot to count in the sea urchin presence, which punished me. Just got the last spike out yesterday.

jh2703 said...
Get yourself a Garth now, You'll hit yourself in the head more now as a learner then you ever will later on down the track......Or perhaps that was just me

Yep...already did that...In sailing it was the boom and we used to joke about it being the noise BOOM as it hit your head, hence the name....but on Monday I copped a crack on the noggin from the mast....I have a Gath...its pretty gaudy...had it for Surfing JAVA...think I will wear it when the winds get above 10knots or so.

evilC said...
I forgot to wear my booties on 3 occasions, each time I got a bad cut from oysters, coral and rocks....

Yep me too..I wear them in winter for warmth + protection..I also don't mind wading through muck when I have them on ( great for launching kayaks in rivers)..
I have been having a bit of trouble getting out of the straps for the foot change gybing lately but that was only after I'd made the straps smaller.I think making them larger again will fix that..

jh2703 said...
Get yourself a Garth now, You'll hit yourself in the head more now as a learner then you ever will later on down the track......Or perhaps that was just me

Yep get one now..