BKA surfer replies
Aryeh
Description
Collection
Title:
BKA surfer replies
Creator:
Aryeh
Date:
5/19/2005
Text:
I was impressed by the number and quality of the responses. The patient
in question is far from ready for this (we're making his first
temporary now), but I want to give him encouragement, something to look
forward to, and having this wealth of experience at my keyboard will
enable me to give him confidence in his ultimate rehabilitation.
Thanks to all who contributed.
Responses:
I would like to saykowabunga someday. For now, I have a
suggestion about a possible design. For the best suspension and to
keep the fit the most stable try the Harmony VASS Below Knee
Prosthesis. Check with Otto Bock about addressing the water issue.
Ask For tech services. They have a new foot called the AXTION which I
believe is water proof . Some of the people that I have fit this device
to have commented that it feels like its really APART OF THEM But
like every design there are Pros and Cons. Make sure you Know how it
Really Works before wearing it!!
I would be more than happy to place your patient or yourself in touch
with a couple of our patients, and a prosthetist amputee who surfs. As
far as special alignment for the foot you don't have to worry about it.
As a surfer myself, that is the least amount of your worries when
catching waves.
Several amputee surfers in California have used what is referred to as a
peg-leg or a baseball-bat pylon attached to a socket. The end of the
handle of the bat does not have a complete foot but a rubber bottom such
as an over-sized crutch tip. They usually paint them a bright color so
if they loose the leg in the surf the can spot it easier.
With all the carbon these days the bat probably can be replaced.
One important factor we have discovered about amputees and salt water is
the issue of corrosion on the clamp and set screws of any adaptors you
may use in the fabrication of the prosthetic. Seattle Systems applies a
special coating to our adaptor screws that minimizes corrosion. We have
had the effectiveness of the coating independently verified at a
contract testing laboratory. Our adaptors showed the least amount of
corrosion during salt water testing. I have attached a copy of the
report.
On another note, our new Cadence HP foot is rated for users up to 366
lbs, has a 60 day no questions asked trial period and can be immersed in
salt water (wash it out after) - but the foot does take 7 of clearance.
If you need a lower profile foot, our Voyager foot is very popular in
the Australian market where it is used extensively in salt water
environments - although we recommend that you replace the lanyard every
6 months if the foot is used extensively in salt water.
Give me a call or drop me a line if you have any questions or would like
to talk about these products.
Seattle Systems, Inc.
There are many BK surfers, the issue is whether the amputated foot is
the front or back foot and what type of surfboard does he use. I would
imagine that he would start back in the water with at least a mini
malibu or long board, then foot range of movement is not so great. If
he is going back to a short board then yes, it is essential. I think
the best foot for surfing is the collage park, the bumpers are
exchangeable and the foot is salt water resistant. (I am a surfer or
30+ years)
I would think an adjustable heel would be good, just don't forget to
make sure to use titanium parts, no aluminium. even the pyramid screws
should be the standard ones, the blackened screws seem to rust
quicker (i've done a scuba leg before).
I am a 49 year old male who has been surfing for years. East coast.
West coast. Even Hawaii's (Oahu) north shore. I have been an amputee
for the past 6 years. I too felt I would never surf again. It required
some special equipment. I surf normal stance which means my right foot
is to the rear of the board, left foot forward. Left foot rear is
called Goofy Foot. It is best if the biological limb is to the rear
doind the steering as you need an ankle to push the board. I was lucky
in that regard as I am a left BK.
I recommend, if you can still find one, the old Womperstomper. I had
one untill the ocean took it. I now use a home made contraption of an
old socket attached to 3 PVC conduit pipe with an end cap. I can send
you a photo if you wish. The posterior brim of the socket must be kept
to a minimum height for maximum knee flexion so you can pop up. Any
shuttle lock must be greased before entering the water then cleaned
well with WD-40 afterwards.
There are many amputee surfers out there as well as divers. Look at the
latest ad from College Park. It features a champion amputee surfer.
There is a major international amputee surfing competition which I am
proud to say I was once invited to represent the United States.
I have to say I have who I feel is the best practitioner on this
planet. He made it possible for me to enjoy life to an even greater
degree than before my amputation. With his help I firmly believe that
the only thing I can't do with a prostheses is make my shoe smell.
Ps. No they don't say Kawabonga. Thats only on TV. Oh and no there is
no twangy guitar music either. Just swish, shoosh, bang slam and then
blub blub blub. You paddle out and do it again.
I am attaching an article from ourMay/JuneinMotionmagazine on Bethany
Hamilton. Although she isn’t a below knee amputee, as an amputee, your
patient may find her to be inspirational. If your patient would like
to be on our mailing list to receive inMotion, or has other questions
as a new amputee he would like to have help answering, please have him
contact us at the Amputee Coalition of America. Toll free phone:
888-267-5669or
<Email Address Redacted>
Try the Genesis II foot, from MICA Manufacturing Corporation.
<URL Redacted>
It is a multiaxial ankle/foot system that has considerable flexibility
and
would permit significant dorsiflexion. Different durometer elastomeric
bumpers can be selected to achieve the desired effect.
Living in Queensland Australia, we have a significant number of young
amputee surfers as patients. While this would suggest I would have some
vital information that will guarantee success for patient, Im afraid
not. It seems we have as many different preferences from our patients
as we do surfers in total. With that in consideration, I will provide
you with my experiences as best and briefly as possible.
Patient 1. Wears an exoskeletal PTB/TSB socket with thermoplastic liner
(seaflex) to stop pelite unglueing, with seattle foot and ankle block
to increase water resistance. The prosthesis is aligned as per usual,
as client generally wears thongs/sandles. He specifically requests no
excess dorsiflexion, as that was my theory as well, but he needs the
toe lever to execute turns more effectively. The prosthesis ends up
self suspending due to anatomical shape and friction between the
seaflex and fibreglass. As auxillary suspension this patient uses a
waiste belt.
Patient 2. Also wears exoskeletal PTB/TSB but with pelite liner and
standard (bock) peg bottom. suspension is simply through PTB strap and
with wetsuite over the top.
Patient 3. Wears a TSB socket with ALPS liner and coyote shuttle lock
(mostly plastic and less prone to corrosion). Prosthesis is exoskeletal
with seattle foot and ankle block. No auxiliary suspension is used.
I expected that the liner and lock option would be the best and tried
it with patient one, however he felt less secure and that water was
breaking the seal of the liner and slipping off.
So there you go... a couple of options to think about...
Oh, and dont be concerned because you dont surf yourself, i surf and
found it to be more detrimental than beneficial... all surfers have
their own styles, he will let you know what he wants as his experience
increases.
Kowabunga is out, but you still hear dude a lot. Check out Rodney
Roller's
website, <URL Redacted> . Rodney is a great guy, as well as a
BK
amputee who competes in contests and has helped a lot of folks get
back out
surfing. I'm sure he'd have some insight and suggestions for your
patient.
Good luck, Darrel Templeton CO, RTPO
in question is far from ready for this (we're making his first
temporary now), but I want to give him encouragement, something to look
forward to, and having this wealth of experience at my keyboard will
enable me to give him confidence in his ultimate rehabilitation.
Thanks to all who contributed.
Responses:
I would like to saykowabunga someday. For now, I have a
suggestion about a possible design. For the best suspension and to
keep the fit the most stable try the Harmony VASS Below Knee
Prosthesis. Check with Otto Bock about addressing the water issue.
Ask For tech services. They have a new foot called the AXTION which I
believe is water proof . Some of the people that I have fit this device
to have commented that it feels like its really APART OF THEM But
like every design there are Pros and Cons. Make sure you Know how it
Really Works before wearing it!!
I would be more than happy to place your patient or yourself in touch
with a couple of our patients, and a prosthetist amputee who surfs. As
far as special alignment for the foot you don't have to worry about it.
As a surfer myself, that is the least amount of your worries when
catching waves.
Several amputee surfers in California have used what is referred to as a
peg-leg or a baseball-bat pylon attached to a socket. The end of the
handle of the bat does not have a complete foot but a rubber bottom such
as an over-sized crutch tip. They usually paint them a bright color so
if they loose the leg in the surf the can spot it easier.
With all the carbon these days the bat probably can be replaced.
One important factor we have discovered about amputees and salt water is
the issue of corrosion on the clamp and set screws of any adaptors you
may use in the fabrication of the prosthetic. Seattle Systems applies a
special coating to our adaptor screws that minimizes corrosion. We have
had the effectiveness of the coating independently verified at a
contract testing laboratory. Our adaptors showed the least amount of
corrosion during salt water testing. I have attached a copy of the
report.
On another note, our new Cadence HP foot is rated for users up to 366
lbs, has a 60 day no questions asked trial period and can be immersed in
salt water (wash it out after) - but the foot does take 7 of clearance.
If you need a lower profile foot, our Voyager foot is very popular in
the Australian market where it is used extensively in salt water
environments - although we recommend that you replace the lanyard every
6 months if the foot is used extensively in salt water.
Give me a call or drop me a line if you have any questions or would like
to talk about these products.
Seattle Systems, Inc.
There are many BK surfers, the issue is whether the amputated foot is
the front or back foot and what type of surfboard does he use. I would
imagine that he would start back in the water with at least a mini
malibu or long board, then foot range of movement is not so great. If
he is going back to a short board then yes, it is essential. I think
the best foot for surfing is the collage park, the bumpers are
exchangeable and the foot is salt water resistant. (I am a surfer or
30+ years)
I would think an adjustable heel would be good, just don't forget to
make sure to use titanium parts, no aluminium. even the pyramid screws
should be the standard ones, the blackened screws seem to rust
quicker (i've done a scuba leg before).
I am a 49 year old male who has been surfing for years. East coast.
West coast. Even Hawaii's (Oahu) north shore. I have been an amputee
for the past 6 years. I too felt I would never surf again. It required
some special equipment. I surf normal stance which means my right foot
is to the rear of the board, left foot forward. Left foot rear is
called Goofy Foot. It is best if the biological limb is to the rear
doind the steering as you need an ankle to push the board. I was lucky
in that regard as I am a left BK.
I recommend, if you can still find one, the old Womperstomper. I had
one untill the ocean took it. I now use a home made contraption of an
old socket attached to 3 PVC conduit pipe with an end cap. I can send
you a photo if you wish. The posterior brim of the socket must be kept
to a minimum height for maximum knee flexion so you can pop up. Any
shuttle lock must be greased before entering the water then cleaned
well with WD-40 afterwards.
There are many amputee surfers out there as well as divers. Look at the
latest ad from College Park. It features a champion amputee surfer.
There is a major international amputee surfing competition which I am
proud to say I was once invited to represent the United States.
I have to say I have who I feel is the best practitioner on this
planet. He made it possible for me to enjoy life to an even greater
degree than before my amputation. With his help I firmly believe that
the only thing I can't do with a prostheses is make my shoe smell.
Ps. No they don't say Kawabonga. Thats only on TV. Oh and no there is
no twangy guitar music either. Just swish, shoosh, bang slam and then
blub blub blub. You paddle out and do it again.
I am attaching an article from ourMay/JuneinMotionmagazine on Bethany
Hamilton. Although she isn’t a below knee amputee, as an amputee, your
patient may find her to be inspirational. If your patient would like
to be on our mailing list to receive inMotion, or has other questions
as a new amputee he would like to have help answering, please have him
contact us at the Amputee Coalition of America. Toll free phone:
888-267-5669or
<Email Address Redacted>
Try the Genesis II foot, from MICA Manufacturing Corporation.
<URL Redacted>
It is a multiaxial ankle/foot system that has considerable flexibility
and
would permit significant dorsiflexion. Different durometer elastomeric
bumpers can be selected to achieve the desired effect.
Living in Queensland Australia, we have a significant number of young
amputee surfers as patients. While this would suggest I would have some
vital information that will guarantee success for patient, Im afraid
not. It seems we have as many different preferences from our patients
as we do surfers in total. With that in consideration, I will provide
you with my experiences as best and briefly as possible.
Patient 1. Wears an exoskeletal PTB/TSB socket with thermoplastic liner
(seaflex) to stop pelite unglueing, with seattle foot and ankle block
to increase water resistance. The prosthesis is aligned as per usual,
as client generally wears thongs/sandles. He specifically requests no
excess dorsiflexion, as that was my theory as well, but he needs the
toe lever to execute turns more effectively. The prosthesis ends up
self suspending due to anatomical shape and friction between the
seaflex and fibreglass. As auxillary suspension this patient uses a
waiste belt.
Patient 2. Also wears exoskeletal PTB/TSB but with pelite liner and
standard (bock) peg bottom. suspension is simply through PTB strap and
with wetsuite over the top.
Patient 3. Wears a TSB socket with ALPS liner and coyote shuttle lock
(mostly plastic and less prone to corrosion). Prosthesis is exoskeletal
with seattle foot and ankle block. No auxiliary suspension is used.
I expected that the liner and lock option would be the best and tried
it with patient one, however he felt less secure and that water was
breaking the seal of the liner and slipping off.
So there you go... a couple of options to think about...
Oh, and dont be concerned because you dont surf yourself, i surf and
found it to be more detrimental than beneficial... all surfers have
their own styles, he will let you know what he wants as his experience
increases.
Kowabunga is out, but you still hear dude a lot. Check out Rodney
Roller's
website, <URL Redacted> . Rodney is a great guy, as well as a
BK
amputee who competes in contests and has helped a lot of folks get
back out
surfing. I'm sure he'd have some insight and suggestions for your
patient.
Good luck, Darrel Templeton CO, RTPO
Citation
Aryeh, “BKA surfer replies,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 25, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/224797.
