foam to protect ankles?

[blackNyellow787]

what are people using to put in the footwells to protect your ankles from getting bruised up?

I wear water shoes and have hydroturf mats on my ski but that obviously doesnt protect my ankles from banging against the sides when riding hard. Any ideas or suggestions?

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Some people put Hydroturf on the sides of the foot wells. I think Spim has a couple nice pic of one.

 

[racerxxx]

Spim's buddy has it on his X-4, I asked if I could duplicate it on mine. Here's mine, I used cut sheet from Black Tip. I bought it half price on Black Friday. I can't comment on if it will work but anything is better than glass. Whether it works or not, it gives it a cool look. I think Hydro Turf has some thick foam blocks. What ever you do make sure to get the pressure sensitive adhesive backed product.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

I run the hydroturf lifter wedges. They come super long so I cut them in half and had enough for 2 skis.

 

[skewba98z28]

I had lift wedges on mine, but if you don't have anything on your ankles you will have some nice blisters. Needless to say I ripped mine off after one day of riding.

 

[blackNyellow787]

racerxxx i like those, except i would want something in all black and i would cut them down just a tad smaller

 

[blackNyellow787]

actually im thinking yellow would look better, then it would blend in with the hall and not be as visible.. does anyone have some spare hydroturf or blacktip mats laying around they wanna sell?

 

[Jetskigoodies]

I only have a set of grey cut groove left for a x4 hull

 

[blackNyellow787]

can you post a pic of them jetskigoodies?

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Spim's buddy has it on his X-4, I asked if I could duplicate it on mine. Here's mine, I used cut sheet from Black Tip. I bought it half price on Black Friday. I can't comment on if it will work but anything is better than glass. Whether it works or not, it gives it a cool look. I think Hydro Turf has some thick foam blocks. What ever you do make sure to get the pressure sensitive adhesive backed product.

Is Hydroturf a softer (more like foam)material?
I ordered a set of BlackTip mats and they are harder than I thought they would be.
I wouldn't want BT rubbing against my ankles.

 

[racerxxx]

Is Hydroturf a softer (more like foam)material?
I ordered a set of BlackTip mats and they are harder than I thought they would be.
I wouldn't want BT rubbing against my ankles.

Got me hangin', I never had Hydro or BT's. But yes the BT's a harder than I expected but not bad, I ride barefoot so anything to me is better than nothing.

 

[Spimothy Leary]

Is Hydroturf a softer (more like foam)material?
I ordered a set of BlackTip mats and they are harder than I thought they would be.
I wouldn't want BT rubbing against my ankles.

its better (especially wishbone) than rubbing against fiberglass. honestly on the two ski's we put it on locally, it was more for show than for practical purposes. here's what I did on a 97, and IMO its pretty soft and easy on the ankles. on the 97, i used the idea of a wedge but with the materials I had on hand.

here's what john did on his 96

 

[mikidymac]

I don't know how you guys can ride barefoot. Back in my stand up days I started wearing the Slippery When Wet and Jet Pilot PWC boots and have sold all of my friends on the idea too. Great traction, protected ankles and easy walking the ramp and shore. The first time surf riding and you loose a toenail you will be sold. Yes it hurts.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

For rec riding I get the no boots...but for aggressive riding or jumping HT and boots is a requirement.

I have had zero issue with blisters or anything. Placement is key; You want the ball of your ankle just under the wedge. That way you can hook into it like a stirrup.

 

[racerxxx]

I don't know how you guys can ride barefoot. Back in my stand up days I started wearing the Slippery When Wet and Jet Pilot PWC boots and have sold all of my friends on the idea too. Great traction, protected ankles and easy walking the ramp and shore. The first time surf riding and you loose a toenail you will be sold. Yes it hurts.

Would I like to try it, sure, but here's the cards (or feet) I'm dealt.

I have size 13 feet and they're wide, Double E's. So finding a regular everyday shoe that fits comfortably is not easy. New Balance is pretty much the only shoe I wear (have to order online) or a loose pair of Vans, so finding a boot to shovel my flippers into ain't gonna be a walk in the park. I see guys wear wrestling shoes but for me to get a pair that fits I'd need to bump to at least a 14. Then you get to deal with them being loose where you don't want them to be, the old catch 22. I'm not petite at 6'2" 230#.

Perhaps I'll try and order a set of these in Jumbo size

 

[blackNyellow787]

i have the vibram five finger toe shoes, these work great for gripping on top of my hydroturf mats but no ankle proctection. I dont think i will be investing in any boots, im need to find some spare mat to mount in the footwell area like Spimothy Leary. Looks good man!