Useful Tips To Sail Confidently While Protecting Your Hands

Sailors know the importance of protecting their hands. The elements can be harsh, and when you need to use them to do all sorts of things, the last thing you want is a blister popping or to feel the constant sting of scrapes and cuts. The sailing gloves you choose should not be too snug or loose. You want to make sure they fit your hand just right. You should be able to make a fist without the glove becoming extremely uncomfortable, but you shouldn’t worry about the glove falling off. It is best to be able to try a pair on before purchasing.

THE BENEFITS OF WEARING GLOVES 

Wearing gloves can provide numerous benefits for sailors. Gloves are an important part of safety. They can help protect the sailor’s hands from injuries, and they can also help keep the sailor’s hands warm in cold weather and cool in warm weather. With improved grip, slippery lines can be dealt with easily. Always wear gloves when working on deck, handling lines, or doing any other task that could potentially result in an injury.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF GLOVES 

There are many different types of gloves available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. It’s best to find cut resistant gloves or any that are most hardy. The type of glove that a sailor wears should be based on the specific task that they will be performing. Some of the most common types of gloves are:

Work gloves

These gloves are designed for heavy-duty work and offer the most protection from cuts, scrapes, and other injuries. They are usually made from thicker materials such as leather or Kevlar. 

Line handling gloves

These gloves are designed for sailors who handle lines on a regular basis. They offer good protection from cuts and abrasions, and they also allow the sailor to get a better grip on the line. Line handling gloves are usually made from thinner materials such as nylon or polyester.

Weather gloves

These gloves are designed to protect the sailor’s hands from the elements, whether it be cold weather or hot weather. They are usually made from waterproof materials such as Gore-Tex or neoprene.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

Sailors should choose a pair of gloves that is well-suited for the task they will be performing. They should also choose a pair of gloves that is appropriate for the conditions they will be working in. For example, if they will be working in cold weather, they should choose a pair of weather gloves that will keep their hands warm. If they will be working in hot weather, they should choose a pair of gloves that will keep their hands cool.

SIZING

Start by measuring your hand. Make a fist with your dominant hand and use a tape measure to find the width around your knuckles. To find the length, measure from the bottom of your palm until the middle fingertip.

Go to your local Sportsman’s Warehouse, Cabela’s, Ace Hardware, Home Depot, or Lowe’s to check out and try on gloves in your size. If you live in an area that doesn’t have access to those stores, you can shop online. Many of those businesses have online stores, and you can try Amazon as well.

Consider the material and design. For materials, consider if you want real or synthetic leather or even neoprene. Synthetic works for short periods but wears easily. Real leather is more durable but can feel tougher and neoprene seems to be the best option as it is breathable and wind and waterproof.

CONCLUSION

As a sailor, being exposed to different conditions is part of the experience. But being in the elements doesn’t have to make you susceptible to the nuisances of working with your hands. Mitigate risks by wearing gloves today. Your hands will thank you.