Baller cragginshred Posted May 7, 2015 Baller Share Posted May 7, 2015 Too many slack hit running ugly -28's has caused me to return to -22 to dial some things in. In addition to this I have a really sore back that really hurts when I get pulled up by the boat. This thread is for those of you who use back belts, which ones are suggested? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller ski4xtc Posted May 7, 2015 Baller Share Posted May 7, 2015 I have used a Valeo for years. I bought it at my local water ski shop but it looks like you can now also get them on Amazon. I believe it is the classic weight lifting belt. They come in different widths. I believe mine is a 4" or 5" wide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Chef23 Posted May 7, 2015 Baller Share Posted May 7, 2015 I used to use a Valeo for snow skiing when I skied a lot of bumps. I think it would work well for water skiing. I would say use it to get yourself healthy and work on strengthening your back and core. Not to mention learn how not to take the hits in a way that hurts your back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller cragginshred Posted May 7, 2015 Author Baller Share Posted May 7, 2015 Yes Mark short term use for sure, but back injuries and blown discs are a reality in this sport. When flared up use the belt! This actually looks a little more dynamic for movement and a little wider dispersion of support. http://www.simmsfishing.com/backmagic-wading-belt.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller TWB Posted May 7, 2015 Baller Share Posted May 7, 2015 In the past I used a Valeo back belt, now I make sure my core is strong before ski season begins. When I switched to a Reflex front boot, my back couldn't take hundreds of deep water starts per season with both feet in. I use a RTP now and drag a foot when getting up. It's much easier on the back. Three years ago, I blew a disc in my back that ended my season. When it blew, the fluid impinged on my sciatic nerve causing numbness in my foot and a condition called foot drop. Core strength is the key. These things have worked for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller AkBob Posted May 7, 2015 Baller Share Posted May 7, 2015 Check out the back brace on this website www.ruoutside.com. I've used it summer and winter and find it to be very comfortable. It is very adjustable, washable,drys quickly and is long lasting. The website has other support products designed for active people. I believe the support is called " The Backthing" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller 6balls Posted May 7, 2015 Baller Share Posted May 7, 2015 +1 valeo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supporting Member Than_Bogan Posted May 7, 2015 Supporting Member Share Posted May 7, 2015 I recently found a new version of the soft-style that I've "always" preferred to wear under my drysuit. (I find a life vest is enough support, but a drysuit isn't.) I like it a lot. But I don't think that's what you're talking about? If it is, I'll try to remember to find out the brand & model. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller eleeski Posted May 7, 2015 Baller Share Posted May 7, 2015 Goode vest! It's magic for starts, protective on those big slack hits and helpful to immobilize a sore back. It interferes with reach a bit and makes off balance recoveries tougher. I lost a couple bouys but I was able to keep skiing with a bad back. The cost is the only real downside. Don't use it for jumping! I weaned myself off it by using a jump suit with an external belt. But I am now using it regularly while I'm trying to rehab my hip - just because I like the gloves. Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller rawly Posted May 7, 2015 Baller Share Posted May 7, 2015 The wider Valeo (maybe 6") ? always. And a coast guard approved vest when my back is bugging me. Holding on to the handle longer helps to prevent the slack that jacks us up. Don't forget to stretch that psoas muscle. Didn't even know I had a psoas muscle. Learned about it here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller MrJones Posted May 7, 2015 Baller Share Posted May 7, 2015 I did use back braces over the years pre and post surgery. In absolute truth what I have decided is that if my back is hurting enough that I feel I need a brace... I should just not be skiing. Post op I wore one at times, but found that my back actually felt better when not using it. On top of that the research I have seen has indicated that they are pretty ineffective except in certain instances. (i.e. a power lifter doing olympic style lifts where there is not torsional force) YMMV Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikegile Posted May 7, 2015 Share Posted May 7, 2015 Valeo Core, core, core Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller alex38 Posted May 7, 2015 Baller Share Posted May 7, 2015 I use a safety work belt that you get at Home Depot in the safety section, I cut the shoulder straps off Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Wayne Posted May 7, 2015 Baller Share Posted May 7, 2015 After a lower back injury in 2004 I switched to an O'neill USCGA Revenge. The longer length, a bit thicker foam and the integrated lumbar support helped me a lot. I can really tell a difference if in not using it. I figured having a vest with an integrated support was easier to deal with than a separate piece of equipment. There is a non USCGA version but after some crashes with nearly being knocked out (in my youth) my wife gave me the option of using a USCGA vest or selling the boat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller cragginshred Posted May 8, 2015 Author Baller Share Posted May 8, 2015 Thanks for all the replies fellas. . I actually made the mistake of trying knuckles up pull ups to save my right brachioradialis from being so sore and it resulted in getting puled forward from the lumbar spine -the slack hit did not help. I am on the fence as to get the Valeo more rigid belt or a more neoprene dynamic one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Garn Posted May 8, 2015 Baller Share Posted May 8, 2015 This is the belt I use by Schiek. It is a nylon belt. I've used it for a few years now. I have two herniated discs (L4 L5). So I have to be careful. This belt works great and very comfortable with the way it is cut down on the sides. http://www.amazon.com/Schiek-Original-Nylon-Support-Purple/dp/B001520KWA/ref=sr_1_27?ie=UTF8&qid=1431102382&sr=8-27&keywords=weight+belt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller Nando Posted May 12, 2015 Baller Share Posted May 12, 2015 I switched from a Valeo to the Schiek Garn gave the link to years ago- as he mentions, the cut of the sides is much more comfortable and they seem to be more durable. It's a little heavier, but negligibly so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baller liquid d Posted May 12, 2015 Baller Share Posted May 12, 2015 I still have a powervest that I used when coming back from injury. That thing is unreal! You can take just about any hit. It was fun! I would recommend it for rehab skiers to keep you on the water and keep the rest of your body in shape. I found it to be a hindrance once the line got short to 38's and especially 39's. The reach was just not as easy for us under 6 foot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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