Standup Zone Forum

Stand Up Paddle => Gear Talk => Topic started by: Zooport on December 29, 2013, 12:45:50 PM

Title: Booties that a stingray can't penatrate?
Post by: Zooport on December 29, 2013, 12:45:50 PM

I know that stingray barbs can go right through a conventional bootie or water shoe.  Does anyone know of something you could wear to protect yourself. 

Title: Re: Booties that a stingray can't penatrate?
Post by: JimK on December 29, 2013, 12:53:36 PM

How about Neosport booties tough on top and bottom

Title: Re: Booties that a stingray can't penatrate?
Post by: PonoBill on December 29, 2013, 08:09:50 PM

Boy, that would take a lot. Kevlar might work, but the fibers might get pushed aside. You might wind up with a ray attached to your foot.

Looking at the stingray barb I'd say that's pretty hopeless. http://www.bio.davidson.edu/people/midorcas/animalphysiology/websites/2010/Nassar/pagebarb.htm (http://www.bio.davidson.edu/people/midorcas/animalphysiology/websites/2010/Nassar/pagebarb.htm)

the barb is like a bodkin arrow--designed to penetrate easily and pull out hard. The toxin is in the mucus layer that surrounds the barb, so a boot might wipe most of it off on the way in. You'd still have damage and a good chance of infection.

Windriver makes a stingray-proof gaiter. If it takes something like this to get you back in the water with confidence, then go for it. You could probably cut them down to be more practical.
http://www.amazon.com/WindRiver-Ultralight-Stingray-Wading-Gaiters/dp/B001G9DK2E (http://www.amazon.com/WindRiver-Ultralight-Stingray-Wading-Gaiters/dp/B001G9DK2E)

If I were going to make something I'd probably wrap a conventional booty with some stainless wire mesh. The small gauge, tighter weave stuff is pretty easy to form. Maybe put on a thin sock, then stainless mesh, then a thin booty.

Title: Re: Booties that a stingray can't penatrate?
Post by: Zooport on December 30, 2013, 07:30:20 AM

Nah, stingrays will not keep me out of the water.  Nothing wrong with taking precautions though. 

Title: Re: Booties that a stingray can't penatrate?
Post by: tbsurf on December 31, 2013, 09:40:50 PM

Stingray proof booties?  They're called steel toe boots!

Title: Re: Booties that a stingray can't penatrate?
Post by: Zooport on December 31, 2013, 10:36:38 PM

I wonder if Iron Man has a set of boots I can borrow.

Title: Re: Booties that a stingray can't penatrate?
Post by: tde on January 01, 2014, 07:21:19 PM

Vibrams are the best reef/rock booties I've found. Super lightweight, grippy, and the soles are tough enough to use for rock climbing! (Should protect from a stingray barb)
No real insulation for cold water but perfect for warm water SUPing/surfing....Tim

Title: Re: Booties that a stingray can't penatrate?
Post by: Zooport on January 01, 2014, 08:49:47 PM

Thanks, Tim.  Those look cool.  I'll bet those are awesome booties, but you have to admit, they are rather creepy looking.  Maybe a little too much like real feet.  LOL.

Title: Re: Booties that a stingray can't penatrate?
Post by: Weasels wake on January 02, 2014, 12:36:30 PM

These, nothing less can give you a guarantee~

Title: Re: Booties that a stingray can't penatrate?
Post by: Zooport on January 02, 2014, 03:50:28 PM

Perfect!!!  Do you think that Jim K sells them?  LOL!