Training pains

Okay - I'm going to be frank and direct here:  I'm not talking about muscle-related training pains ... I'm talking about the pains on the butt.  Mind you, I think pains is probably under-estimating the shock and swift reaction when the shower water makes contact with missing patches of skin. 

So what's the solution?  I've tried padded shorts, unpadded shorts, cycling shorts, seat pads ... the list of endless.  

To be honest, if you're putting 101% into your paddling stroke, your movement while paddling will mean that your butt is going to be subject to constant pressure and friction resulting from the forward/back and up-down movements that a strong, clean stroke requires.

So what solutions are worth considering?  Well, nappy-rash cream is effective as a first-level barrier.  If not nappy-rash cream, if you can get your hands on any Sudofed cream, it's very, very good. (Buy a couple of pots - trust me.. it's an investment!) Secondly, padded shorts and a slim-fitting seat pad.  The seat pad helps in that you can put it exactly where the pressure falls, and then hopefully your padded short will help deal with the rest.  In our boat, the best seat pad is a thin, soft rubberised cloth that can be folded; the kind of cloth that can be used to stop furniture etc. slipping. 

But to be honest - it's like blisters and hard skin on your hands.  It's all part of the sport.  And when you are joining in the conversations about what to do about your sore butt, you know then that you really are a paddler.

Hope to see you one day on the water... paddles up!  x