Summer Tips and Tricks
Hello fellow disc golfers! The time is finally here, the warm weather months have arrived in the Northern Hemisphere, and Spring has sprung! I know it can be exciting to get out on the course and enjoy these sunny days, but we also must be careful and prepared when we venture out to play. This week I want to explore a few tips and tricks to keep you safe this summer.
SUNBLOCK! This should be a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many times I run into players who don’t have this in their bag. Sunburn and melanoma don’t sound like any kind of fun, so be sure to apply sunscreen often. Be sure to include the neck, face, and ears. Oftentimes these are the most affected by exposure to the sun and burn easily. I recommend a high number SPF like 50 or 60. This may seem like obvious advice, but I still wanted to include it here in the blog.
TICK REPELLANT. On top of sunscreen, it is important to also have some kind of tick repellant on hand. I highly recommend Sawyer brand Picaridin Lotion. I’ve been using this brand for years and have yet to find a tick on me after a round. I like to apply this stuff over my entire body before I even get dressed, and with a solid application, the coating lasts for around 14 hours. Sometimes I’ll touch up my arms or neck depending on perspiration, but overall, it’s a one-and-done application. If you have ever found a tick on you, you know just how gross and terrifying that is, and we run the risk of contracting Lyme disease.
PERMETHRIN. This is an addendum to the tick lotion, and this product is also made by Sawyer, but it’s just as important. It provides another layer of protection and if applied correctly can last all summer. It works by spraying the permethrin on your clothes, like you would with scotch guard, and then let them dry. Now your favorite jerseys and shorts will keep those nasty ticks and other insects away, allowing you to focus more on your game and making putts.
SNAKES! I wanted to include this tip because a friend of mine suffered a snake bite a couple years ago down in Georgia, and she almost lost her hand. With over a year of physical therapy and medication, she was able to recover full functionality. I would hate to see any of you suffer this painful accident, so be sure to be hyper aware of your surroundings, especially if you know the area you are playing in is known for snakes. If you find yourself in the rough, it’s best to stomp around your disc before you reach down to pick it up. Snakes are more scared of you, and if you give them space and a few moments, they will slither off and avoid human contact. Taking a couple extra seconds can save you from a painful and potentially career ending snake bite.
LAYERS! Yes, it’s summer, yes, it’s hot, but you should still bring layers. Here in the Midwest, we can experience all four seasons in one day. You want to be prepared for weather changes like this so you can stay comfortable and focused on your game and not the temperature. Not exactly a layer, but when it’s appropriate, bring an umbrella. Nothing is worse than getting caught in the rain with no umbrella. And lots of towels to stay dry. I know, these aren’t really ‘layers’ but you get the idea; bring these things and be ready for whatever you may experience during a round.
SOCKS. I’m giving this its own paragraph because I have learned over the years that you must have extra socks. I cannot count how many times I’ve been on the first hole on a dewy morning and find my feet are soaked before I get to hole 3. The best thing to do I have waterproof shoes, but the next best thing is to keep clean dry socks on standby. Nothing better than slipping on a dry pair between rounds and getting your feet in proper shape to get out there and play your best. And if you can swing it, bringing a second pair of shoes in addition to socks, you’ll be very prepared out there.
HYDRATION! My last bit of advice should also be something we already know. Hydration is possibly more important than any of my previous tips, especially as we see global temperatures rising. The best approach is to begin hydrating the day before. Drink at least 64 oz, or just under 2 liters of water to prime the body. On the course, you should be hydrating on at least every other hole. Some people prefer electrolyte infused beverages, and that is fine too. If you’re playing casually and consuming beer, you should still also drink water, as it is quite easy to overheat and cause problems. I’ve personally seen players suffer from heat stroke from both dehydration and over consumption of alcohol. Both are bad days, and I highly recommend NOT doing this.
That’s it, simple and probably obvious tips, and tricks we should all know by now, but just in case, I hope you’ve read this and founds something helpful. Remember, it’s better to have a thing and not need it, than to need a thing and not have it. So, try to prepare for any scenario, and get out there and enjoy the season, cheers!
