BajaNomad

Stingrays vs. tennis shoes?

neilm81301 - 5-30-2014 at 09:35 PM

I used to dream (well, still do) of wintering over on the gulf side, surf-casting for my dinner. Do that every day, and sooner or later, you're gonna get hit.

I've been told before not to wade in the gulf without tennis shoes on, and doing the 'Baja shuffle'.

Would a pair of tenny's really help much against a stingray? Don't people get hit on the ankle, and lower leg?

Would those calf-high, rubber 'boat boots' stop a sting? I keep thinking of old Steve Irwin (croc hunter) getting it in the chest......

Ideas from you experienced guys.... snake boots? leggings?

Too paranoid for my own good?

Thanks;

Neil

mannings - 5-30-2014 at 09:42 PM

I have experience in getting hit, but not much in how to avoid.

GL, though... and may every dinner be a feast.

Skipjack Joe - 5-30-2014 at 11:18 PM

Mine got me on the heel where tennis shoes would have prevented the puncture. But while convalescing at abreojos the owner of the hotel showed me scars on top of her foot, where tennis shoes would not help.

It depends on where you step on it. It's going to arch it body backwards and try to nail you. The bigger the arch, the higher up it can get you. The predominant stingray in baja is only about a 12" long. I'm also not sure if that spine won't go through canvas.

The trouble is - nobody wants to wade with shoes on. It just defeats the purpose of getting into the water somehow. It diminishes the experience.

chuckie - 5-31-2014 at 02:46 AM

Tennis shoes aren't much good...been punched through them...They make ray proof wading boots, but like he said..defeats the purpose....

SFandH - 5-31-2014 at 04:02 AM

Something on your feet is sure better than nothing. I've been stun twice by stingrays in Bahia Concepcion. Both times a slice on the top of my foot. Tennis shoes would have protected me in those cases. Now, I wear the water shoes you can buy in most sporting goods stores. Not 100% protection, but certainly better than barefoot.

vandenberg - 5-31-2014 at 06:36 AM

Try cowboy boots. :biggrin::biggrin:

rts551 - 5-31-2014 at 07:07 AM

Got it on the top of the big toe. The surfers in Abreojos have worked n a variety of remedies. Ordinary shoes do not work.

Whale-ista - 5-31-2014 at 07:59 AM

Can someone remind us of the best treatment for a stingray injury?

I thought it was Soaking the injured area in hot water to neutralize the protein, plus topical antibiotics for bacteria to prevent infection.

Does that sound correct? Have I missed any other treatment steps?

Ateo - 5-31-2014 at 08:13 AM

Hottest water you can stand.......................says the lifeguard on the beach treating my amigo last week.

tripledigitken - 5-31-2014 at 08:31 AM

Can say that Teva, river guide type sandals, didn't work.

Got me just above the ankle strap.

Feathers - 5-31-2014 at 08:40 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Ateo
Hottest water you can stand.......................says the lifeguard on the beach treating my amigo last week.


If my memory serves me correctly, a blow dryer (high heat) can also be used… assuming the stingee has access to electricity.

I've never been stung, so I'm knocking on wood!

monoloco - 5-31-2014 at 09:16 AM

Encountered a guy at Campo Rene once who was so terrified of being struck. that he wore ski boots with drain holes drilled into them.

danaeb - 5-31-2014 at 09:37 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Whale-ista
Can someone remind us of the best treatment for a stingray injury?

I thought it was Soaking the injured area in hot water to neutralize the protein, plus topical antibiotics for bacteria to prevent infection.

Does that sound correct? Have I missed any other treatment steps?


Here's a thread from last month with lots of good info regarding treatment. Basically, heat, from whatever source is handy.

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=73104

rts551 - 5-31-2014 at 10:22 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by monoloco
Encountered a guy at Campo Rene once who was so terrified of being struck. that he wore ski boots with drain holes drilled into them.


a surfer I know wears similar shoes coated with foam so they float.

blackwolfmt - 5-31-2014 at 10:28 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by monoloco
Encountered a guy at Campo Rene once who was so terrified of being struck. that he wore ski boots with drain holes drilled into them.


Puts new meaning to people will try anything, tuff to swim I'll bet

Marc - 5-31-2014 at 02:02 PM

A while back I saw a type of shin guard. Or it was something that slipped over the lower leg. Looked awkward.

woody with a view - 5-31-2014 at 02:53 PM

just shuffle your feet! it's free and it works......