Pain in the butt...

I realize I'm settting myself up for immense ridicule, but that's OK, this is an actual problem for me.

Last time I raced was up at Huntington Lake for the '08 Mile High Regatta, a normal 2 day race. By the end of the second day, my backside was tender from sitting on the hull for most of the races during the two days. We were a very heavy team (approaching 400 lbs) so I did not trap at all. I was so tender in fact that I had to use my throwable PFD to sit on at dinner that evening and breakfast.

I'm going to Havamega next month for a week of racing! Not because I'm really competitive at that level, but for the learning opportunities such a venue provides. Trouble is, I'm worried about my backside being tender again. At Havamega I'll be singlehanding, so I may trap out more if I'm comfortable doing so. That may help some, but I'd still like to be prepared.

Anyone else struggle with this?

I'm thinking about adding some closed cell foam to the inside of my trap suit to provide some cushion. Anyone else have any ideas?

Thank you,

Mike Bennett
Madera, CA
1981 Hobie 18
1974 Hobie 14t

There are special pants made for mono sailors called "hiking pants" that have extra padding in the legs and rear end. Zhik makes some good ones. The dealers on here might know more about them or other ones that are available.

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1992 Hobie Cat 18 #16943
Hobie Fleet 198, Rapid City, SD

I suffer the same pain in the butt after a long day. I learned that sitting on the tramp at the edge of the hull every so often eliminated the issue, moving about regularly. I doubt the 14 bothers you since most of your butt is on the tramp but the 18 can get to you.

There are some snow boarding shorts that would help you and they are quick wicking. The padding on the sides isn't needed but the padding on the rear would be quite comfortable. They fit just like underwear.

I believe the new pearl has padding on the decks - the blue colour you see on top. Try that, I was planning on 1.2mm neoprene rubber for the decks for those moments when knee meets deck situations. Besides the rear end issues, I find my legs tend to cramp in long distance events, so I trap whenever I can to exercise and move about.