I'm going to get out there this year!!

LI-Jack

Active member
Happy Independence Day!!
For me it's glorious because I was able to get into my waders again! ---Well the hip boots, but they are lug soles. They way I overcame the issue was to put a plastic bag over the prosthetic, to reduce the friction. I took a few steps and I'm stoked!!! Getting them off is a challenge but I'm going to figure out a routine. I imagine really cold days will keep me inside, but we shall see.

This is a major milestone for me guys, it may sound simple but believe me it's been 1,000 times harder to do things that were once easy.

God Bless you all, and have a great 4th of July- be safe

Best regards,
Jack
 
I know it sounds silly but maybe try pantyhose or a stocking. I know a few guys that used to do that to make getting a wetsuit on easier. Good luck this year.
 
Great news Jack. This is great to hear.

To get the waders off I have seen people make a Walden device. It has a long handle and at the boot end it is cut so it fits around the boot. It can then be pushed off by hand. Horrible description. In an odd way it looked like a very long hand thrower for clay targets.

Best wishes

Mark W
 
That's great news Sir, happen to hear you are making progress.

You ever find yourself in northwest or southwest louisiana look me up and I will have a open spot for you in my boat or blind anytime.
 
ATTA BOY! Where there is a will there is a way. I also am hoping to get in the boat this fall. At least we are getting started early. One of the things I love about this sport is there is something related to do every day of the year.
 
Good morning, Jack~

Congratulations!

I have been using plastic bags over my socks in the winter for years - for all of my boots. The bags reduce the on/off friction and keep the boot linings dry. Of course, it also provides fodder for my "loyal friends" - the slings and arrows of ridicule come with the technology.

Would a traditional boot jack help in removal? I use a maple one that my Dad made many years ago. I am glad to see that many rubber boots nowadays put a "lug" on the back of the heel - gives another way to get that heel off.

BTW: When I lived in East Patchogue, I kept my gaff sloop WILLET at Tooker's boatyard - many fine memories on Bellport Bay.

All the best,

SJS

 
Jack, congratulations on the progress. I had similar issues after a car accident and an ankle fusion surgery. The surgery made my ankle a lot bigger around, and locked my foot at a 90 degree angle. That made the waders snug around my ankles and didn't let me point my foot to slide them off. I finally found a pair of goretex chest waders that was cut a little looser in the lower legs and worked for me., and I remember VERY well the sense of freedom when I first waded a river for trout again.

FWIW, I found that Patagonia waders in XXL King were a lot fuller cut than similar offerings from Orvis, Simms, or LL Bean. Unfortunately, they are also at the top of the price list, but the quality is worth it.

I bet you can find something that will work for you, because an old fishing buddy used to wade beaches for stripers and Great Lakes tributaries for steelhead on a prosthesis.

He was using stocking foot neoprene chest waders. I never saw his prosthesis when it was not covered, so don't know how snug the waders were on it. It was a long time ago, so I'm sure technology has changed, but there has to be a way to make it work.
 
I've a buddy who lost a leg in the navy and he wears his waders with a small FLEXIBLE tube run down his leg from above the prosthetic to just below his ankle. The tube allows air to move into the foot of the boot and equalize the air pressure so the boot slides right off.

Good luck this year and welcome back!!!
 
Jack,
I have a good friend who is in the same situation as you. I shared your post with him. Here is his reply, hope it helps.
"If you want to add something about your hunting buddy who lost his leg, he has found that neoprene stockingfoot waders work really well. He unrolls them inside out all the way down to the foot, just slips his prosthetic foot in, rolls them back up and puts a hard boot over the outside. They’re just as easy to get off that way as well."
Good luck!!!
 
Glad to hear your steering towards forward progress. Shoot me an e mail when the season gets near.
I can find room in my boat. All I ask is cookies and coffee. Nothing like watching the sunrise with coffee in one hand and cookies in the other.
 
Back
Top