Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bradford on April 26, 2010 at 7:07pm

I know the wetsuits for tris are a little different than wetsuits for surfing, but I've been able to stuff a gel in my sleeve or into the neck area as an "emergency" when I've been in long distance races...so maybe you can try that? I know it's probably not "the cool" thing to do, but you could get a spi belt and put a gel or two in there, and attach it around your waist (making it as tight as you want it). I use that for holding my CGM and a gel for my long distance runs--it doesn't bounce at all, so I'd assume it could take getting hit w/ a few waves, but I don't have any experience w/ that...

Permalink Reply by sisiay on April 26, 2010 at 10:33pm

Thanks Bradford, I was thinking that gel might be the way to go. Measured, compact, no hard edges. Every once in a while, getting hit with a big wave can flush the suit and might wash it away, but it's a good start. The Spi Belt is a good idea too...their armbands would be plenty big...actually, now that I think about it I bet I could get a waterproof case for my Dexcom and and keep in one of those bands. Thanks, this was a huge help!

Permalink Reply by Carolyn Deans on April 27, 2010 at 8:39am

not sure whether this would work for surfing or not, but for some other water sports, I've had some luck with using my CGM (I use Dexcom) and just having the receiver in a watertight, but flexible container so that I can still push buttons and stuff. Then, that could go anywhere. I have had a special waterproof bag, which has a rope and it goes around my neck and under my bathing suit. That way, when it vibrates to let me know that I'm getting low or high, I can feel it without even having to look.

Permalink Reply by sisiay on April 27, 2010 at 9:19am

Thanks Carolyn, that's exactly what I'm going to try. Glad to know it's working for someone. I just ordered a waterproof case, and a Spi Band, and will try out that combination. I can't believe I didn't think of this before...I have a waterproof case for my camera, but not my Dexcom? Not very impressive...

Permalink Reply by Bradford on April 27, 2010 at 9:22am

I think you'll get a system figured out and you'll be good to go :-) The spibelt will expand pretty well and should your Dex and at least one gel w/o any issues. Let us know how it works out after you've had a chance to try it out!

Permalink Reply by Vanessa G on April 27, 2010 at 9:56am

Hey Sisiay,

It looks like you bough a spibelt, so that's cool. If you don't like it, or it doesn't work well, I've had great luck with Aquapac. I bought this product because I needed a waterproof place to keep my pump:
http://www.aquapac.net/usstore/insulin-pump-case-154-1162-0.html

which is a watertight belt with a spot to allow the tubing to come through (if you're a pumper). I think it was originally designed for water-proofing microphone pacs for filming in the ocean, but it's pretty cool. They have a bunch of different sizes and shapes and utilities.

Permalink Reply by sisiay on April 27, 2010 at 10:15am

Thanks Vanessa. Also a great tip. The more good answers I get, the more I can't believe how long I went without doing something about this. I usually consider myself pretty savvy about my care/creative solutions, but man, this was a massive blind spot. I'll report back on the first system I try, and keep sending stuff back until I get something that works the way I need it to. Those Aquapac bags definitely look like they're slightly higher quality than what I ordered (though it looks decent) but if I wear it on my arm, it shouldn't stay submerged for too long at a stretch. I supposed I could put it in a ziplock too for an added layer (if I can still see the screen).

Permalink Reply by Erin on April 27, 2010 at 5:56pm

I've surfed with power gels for almost a decade and never lost one due to flushing. And I have to tell you they taste about 100 times better in the salt water. don't know what it is, but they are amazing out there and everyone in the lineup looks at you longingly thinking about their empty bellies. Bring a couple for a long session. As far as a monitor I've left mine on the beach too, but some spots are such a paddle out (think: swami's) that if I feel at all low I will gel. and then if i need to go in and test. I find the leg of my spring suit better than the arm (less chafing). And I sometimes had my husband stash a few in his trunks pocket just in case.

Permalink Reply by Jeremy Weir on April 10, 2011 at 3:42pm

My trick is fruit roll ups under the wetsuit on my leash leg. 11g of fast carbs in each and delicious. Just stuff the trash back under my suit. I guess any slim energy bar would work there too, as long as it isn't too many carbs for one quick snack.

I just got a dexcom and am looking for the best fit for a waterproof armband for the receiver, I'll report back if I find a good one.

Where do you wear your sensor?

Permalink Reply by jb on July 20, 2011 at 7:01pm

I haven't surfed in about 15 years (I prefer rock climbing now), but when I did I would take the BD pack of 3 individually wrapped glucose tabs and put them under the leg of my wetsuit (spring suit). If you can't get individually wrapped ones, you could take a few from a bulk package and put them in a zip lock bag and put that in the same place. they are pretty flat, so I don't think it should yield any discomfort.