Vigorbuddy.com | How to Use Your Cane at the Beach | The number of seniors that use walking canes has gone up by 50% in the past ten years.
Using a cane at the beach can be difficult if you don’t have the right type of cane because you’ll just end up getting stuck in the sand.
Those that love going to the beach may become disheartened when they realize that their regular cane is not going to cut it for a day at the beach, but the good news is that there are options available.
Keep reading to learn what you should know so that you can get back on the beach and out in the sun today.
The Main Types of Canes People Use
People use canes, or any type of walking device, when they need extra support while walking or standing. Whether you’ve just had surgery, have balance issues, or cannot put weight on one leg, a cane is designed to help you get around.
Canes have gotten a lot better in the past 50 years with new technology making them lighter, but stronger at the same time. The main type options for canes are those with one single tip and those with 4 tips spaced out on the bottom.
The healthcare professional that you work with is going to tell you which type of cane is going to be the best fit. If you’re dealing with any walking issues or have trouble with your balance, you may want to talk to them again to see if there are any other options.
Once you know what type of cane you’re supposed to be using, it’s important to get used to it before trying to walk on sand, snow, mud, or gravel. You need the practice to be sure that you won’t accidentally fall.
How to Walk With a Cane on Sand
Just like walking on regular land, you need to make sure that all tips are on the ground before you put weight on your cane. Your cane should be adjusted for your height and the handle level with your wrist. However, there are some other adjustments you’ll need to make for sand as well.
If you think about it, it makes a lot of sense why a cane would sink into the sand. The end of the cane is fairly skinny, and sand does a great job of conforming to whatever is touching it. Putting weight onto this skinny end will just create more pressure to make it sink faster.
The best way to walk with a cane on sand is to invest in these travel canes that are designed for helping people while they are away from their regular cane. Although they may still look skinny, they are able to have a thicker base at the bottom, which helps avoid going into the sand quite as easily.
Another option is to find something to attach to the bottom of your cane that is more flat. There are specific products available that you can add to your cane tip to distribute the weight more evenly, much like a snowshoe.
In addition to that, you can make your own type of tip if you have the right materials to attach to your current cane if you’re feeling crafty. However, it is best to invest in either a travel cane or a specific flat tip to make sure you stay safe on the beach.
Tips for Travel With a Cane
The best thing to do is to get a foldable cane that can easily be packed away. These may not be perfect for everyday use back home, but they work very well for people that require a cane to walk on vacation. The main reason for this is that they are easy to pack up when you’re in the car or flying to your destination, but also easy to get back out again when you’re ready to go.
A regular cane will take up a lot more space. It can be irritating to have to take up so much space in your luggage for your cane, and getting on an airplane with a regular cane can be a hassle. Travel canes make it much easier.
In addition to that, you should be sure to bring additional walking cane tips with you on your trip.
This is a good idea because you will be able to swap out your cane tip if anything happens to it and can rest assured that you have a backup even if you don’t end up needing to use it.
Lastly, be sure to get a travel cane that has a handle comfortable in your hand. Some people prefer handles that are more contoured while others prefer smoother handles. Whatever you like best, make sure that you choose a handle you can put weight on easily for extended periods on your trip.
Have Fun on Your Day at the Beach
Now that you have some more information on what you can do to use a cane while at the beach, you’re ready to plan your big excursion!
Going to the beach is always a fun time in the summer months when you can take the time to cool off and get some vitamin D.
Did you enjoy reading this article? If so, you may be interested in learning about other ways that you can make your life a little bit easier. Check out the rest of our website for more.