Pump mod for old guys

[letsgoflyakite]

I don't think that bending over to put pressure on the "down-stroke" is bad for the lower back... but bending over and pulling up against the resistance of the pump on the "up-stroke" is what may be straining the back.

Therefore, it might solve all your back issues if you simply unscrew the top of the pump and peal off the little round rubber flap of the "up-stroke" valve... and by doing this, you will disable the up-stroke pressure and only compress air on the down-stroke.

Since you will then work the pump "faster", the overall time it takes to pump up a kite will not be much longer and your back will thank you.

This works, did it a while back. It's the pulling up that is putting strain on back, especially when the seals dry up,a bit. But yea, a straight back is best. I also ditched the small Slingshot pump and went back to an old, but taller north pump.

[Bille]

Taking care of your back is all about good technique. Stand directly over your pump with it between your legs, keep back vertical and strait , now go up and down with legs only. Yes it looks a little different , but your back will never bother you and your legs get a nice work out.
I have had a pesky back for years. The key is to always avoid the dreaded hunched over lift, where you simply bend from the waist to lift something, this move will blow your back out in no time. Always keep back up and use your legs...
Putting toddles in a snap in car seat is a good example. Next time try putting one leg in the car and bending with your leg. Absolute back saver .

GOOD POST !!!!!

That's how i have to get in a car with my fake legs .
I drive sitting up as straight as possible ; even sit erect in a chair and
hardly ever use the back-rest.
* are you slouching back in your chair, while typing your post ?

On the pumping ; i don't stand up. I dig a small hole in the sand for the base of
the pump for a back-stop , and sit on my butt. The up-stroke now feels like i'm
rowing a boat , and on the down-stroke i lean forward "First" then use my arms
to apply the pressure, (Not my back).

Surfing use to strengthen by back so i didn't have back problems, now it's only
swimming cause i can't surf any longer ; really miss that sport.

Can anyone recommend another low impact back exercise like swimming ?

Bille

[revhed]

Can anyone recommend another low impact back exercise like swimming ?

Bille

When I had x rays years ago just to learn I had arthritis inb both my lower back and right elbow, the pretty lab teck told me to swim using back stroke.
I then did more research and found that indeed the back crawl is known for strenghting your stomic, lats and most back muscles!
But you need to do the stroke correctly, maybe google for presise technique?
As for pump issue, today I concentrated on how and where I find the force and discovered it is at the bottom of the down stroke, at least for me.
This is why my higher pump works so well, again thats just me.
I also HAVE to do yoge cobra daily just to feel a little less sore and stiff!
My biggest find thanx to cool guys sharing here in a self made dyna bar, sliding spreader hook system.
Walking on the beach to get to the h2o is now pain, twist free, so good!
Toe side foiling is now 100% more comfortable as well!
Got a new prolimit SUPER CRUISER harness after tons of reading which also just rocks due to high back support!
Bille, if you can mountain bike maybe this will help your back as well, for some reason when I do over a rough surface my back likes me more, vibration maybe? Blood flow?
Just my thoughts.
R H

[Rando1994]

Yeah, I modded my pump too. Tossed it and bought a Scroprega BST Superturbo. Five years on and I still don't need a manual pump....

[NHKitesurfer]

Yeah, I modded my pump too. Tossed it and bought a Scroprega BST Superturbo. Five years on and I still don't need a manual pump....

Yeah I'm a tall guy (6'4") and did the same thing. Toss up between the electric pump and the Hyperflex Playa for the best addition to my kite equipment. Love em both. Like autopilot for my boat.

[Westozzy]

Taking care of your back is all about good technique. Stand directly over your pump with it between your legs, keep back vertical and strait , now go up and down with legs only. Yes it looks a little different , but your back will never bother you and your legs get a nice work out.
I have had a pesky back for years. The key is to always avoid the dreaded hunched over lift, where you simply bend from the waist to lift something, this move will blow your back out in no time. Always keep back up and use your legs...
Putting toddles in a snap in car seat is a good example. Next time try putting one leg in the car and bending with your leg. Absolute back saver .

GOOD POST !!!!!

That's how i have to get in a car with my fake legs .
I drive sitting up as straight as possible ; even sit erect in a chair and
hardly ever use the back-rest.
* are you slouching back in your chair, while typing your post ?

On the pumping ; i don't stand up. I dig a small hole in the sand for the base of
the pump for a back-stop , and sit on my butt. The up-stroke now feels like i'm
rowing a boat , and on the down-stroke i lean forward "First" then use my arms
to apply the pressure, (Not my back).

Surfing use to strengthen by back so i didn't have back problems, now it's only
swimming cause i can't surf any longer ; really miss that sport.

Can anyone recommend another low impact back exercise like swimming ?

Bille

Billie I always get inspired by your posts mate. How far up do your prosthetics go? Have you considered knee boarding (I'm sure you have) or is this biomechanically impossible. I have a mate who rips on a knee board tucks into the most insane barrels. ??