@ Peter Hart: toughening up hands

Harald · 7th April 2011, 02:40 AM

Hi Peter,

On peter-hart.com you wrote a travel tip for toughening up your hands, suggesting the use of surgical spirit. I'm preparing for the windsurfing trip of a life time, and I'd like to start preparing early.

First, I tried the consumer variant of hand spirits (gelly consistency), designet to remove bacteria and viruses. It doesn't work because it contains glycerol, which is put in there to soften the hands. So it defeats the purpose.

Then I went to the pharmacy and asked for surgical spirit, and the best they could give me was table sanitizer containing 75% ethanol (thin like water). No glycerol. I'm not sure if its strong enough, as my hands didn't seem to get any dryer...

So I guess what I'm wondering is the specs of the "surgical spirit" you recommend

Best regards,
Harald.

Ken · 13th April 2011, 09:57 PM

Harald,

Not Peter - but.........

I know that gloves are not "cool" for windsurfers, but if you can find ones that fit right, they offer two advantages.

1. No blisters. I have been windsurfing for 27 years and never had a blister! Calluses do build up and come off from time to time, but that is it. I get in between 60 and 80 days a year. Fresh water. No need to toughen up your hands.

2. Less fatigue since the gloves add friction to the grip. The gloves must have a strap to hold them to the wrist or they slip down. I have always used fingerless gloves.

Harald · 14th April 2011, 01:29 AM

Thanks, I have gloves like that which I use if sailing a lot in warm places. I live in Norway, and it is very seldom windy here. So here I go sailing without gloves, if it isn't too cold. There is "never" sailing conditions two days in a row anyway, so my hands never really get put up to a test. Now, when I go, I will sail every day for 3 months if I don't get too tired or get hurt...and that much sailing will be tough. Tired muscles is one thing - what I DON'T WANT is to mess up my hands, because they will never be able to heal in those wind conditions. Peter advocates washing your hands with spirit between sessions, and apply lotion in the evenings.

Ken · 14th April 2011, 09:14 PM

Harald,

Here is another idea. I do weights often when not windsurfing. I don't wear gloves (most guys in the gym do) so my hands toughen up and maintain my calluses. No blisters either.

Where I live, I get to sail year round and never miss a month. However, only one day in January this year.

Del Carpenter · 16th April 2011, 09:52 AM

Bicycling gloves might help.

marksw · 20th April 2011, 04:05 AM

start indoor (or outdoor) rowing and you'll have tough hands with loads of calluses in no time - and you'll be fit as a fiddle.

7th April 2011, 02:40 AM	#1
Harald New Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 2	@ Peter Hart: toughening up hands Hi Peter, On peter-hart.com you wrote a travel tip for toughening up your hands, suggesting the use of surgical spirit. I'm preparing for the windsurfing trip of a life time, and I'd like to start preparing early. First, I tried the consumer variant of hand spirits (gelly consistency), designet to remove bacteria and viruses. It doesn't work because it contains glycerol, which is put in there to soften the hands. So it defeats the purpose. Then I went to the pharmacy and asked for surgical spirit, and the best they could give me was table sanitizer containing 75% ethanol (thin like water). No glycerol. I'm not sure if its strong enough, as my hands didn't seem to get any dryer... So I guess what I'm wondering is the specs of the "surgical spirit" you recommend Best regards, Harald.

13th April 2011, 09:57 PM	#2
Ken Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Dallas, Texas USA Posts: 797	Harald, Not Peter - but......... I know that gloves are not "cool" for windsurfers, but if you can find ones that fit right, they offer two advantages. 1. No blisters. I have been windsurfing for 27 years and never had a blister! Calluses do build up and come off from time to time, but that is it. I get in between 60 and 80 days a year. Fresh water. No need to toughen up your hands. 2. Less fatigue since the gloves add friction to the grip. The gloves must have a strap to hold them to the wrist or they slip down. I have always used fingerless gloves. __________________ Toys: Formula 160; iSonic 111; HiFly Move 105; Tiga 263; '85 Mistral Superlight. Maui Sails TR 11.0; 9.2; 8.4; 7.6; 6.6; Maui Sails Switch 6.0; 5.2; Maui Sails Global 4.5; 4.0.

14th April 2011, 09:14 PM	#4
Ken Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Dallas, Texas USA Posts: 797	Harald, Here is another idea. I do weights often when not windsurfing. I don't wear gloves (most guys in the gym do) so my hands toughen up and maintain my calluses. No blisters either. Where I live, I get to sail year round and never miss a month. However, only one day in January this year. __________________ Toys: Formula 160; iSonic 111; HiFly Move 105; Tiga 263; '85 Mistral Superlight. Maui Sails TR 11.0; 9.2; 8.4; 7.6; 6.6; Maui Sails Switch 6.0; 5.2; Maui Sails Global 4.5; 4.0.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Peter Hart: The Upwind Challenge	Tony	Peter Hart's Techniques	4	28th April 2012 03:53 AM
Sore hands. Do I have a skin problem?	Guest	Free Forum	6	19th June 2007 04:20 AM

14th April 2011, 01:29 AM	#3
Harald New Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 2	Thanks, I have gloves like that which I use if sailing a lot in warm places. I live in Norway, and it is very seldom windy here. So here I go sailing without gloves, if it isn't too cold. There is "never" sailing conditions two days in a row anyway, so my hands never really get put up to a test. Now, when I go, I will sail every day for 3 months if I don't get too tired or get hurt...and that much sailing will be tough. Tired muscles is one thing - what I DON'T WANT is to mess up my hands, because they will never be able to heal in those wind conditions. Peter advocates washing your hands with spirit between sessions, and apply lotion in the evenings.

16th April 2011, 09:52 AM	#5
Del Carpenter Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 105	Bicycling gloves might help.

20th April 2011, 04:05 AM	#6
marksw Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 27	start indoor (or outdoor) rowing and you'll have tough hands with loads of calluses in no time - and you'll be fit as a fiddle.