Think of a lovely sandy beach!

[Gill-C]

Now think of how to walk safely (if not elegantly!) on one! Posted for a fellow MSA sufferer who is currently on holiday in Italy and is struggling to stay upright and negotiate sand and sea even with a stick. (I know, life’s tough 😎) Does anyone have any tips? Many thanks

[Andy-man]

Hello Gill-C and friend on holiday in Italy. I am sorry I do not have any specific advice for your current predicament. But trying to be positive for the future, I believe I have seen a picture of an adapted wheelchair with wide/flotation tyres for taking people with mobility issues at the seaside down to the waters edge. I am not sure is this was a generally available item or something developed by a specific holiday resort.

I also seem to think there was someone developing an electric wheelchair that could go across shingle beach - only at prototype stage but something to look forward to in the future. Downside no doubt will be an eyewatering price tag... Oh well.

All the best

Andrew

[FredaE in reply to Andy-man]

never tried it but think snow without the sliding....similar problem with walking. TWO sticks better still oldfashioned ski poles with discs or shooting sticks. not the best place to buy them but you might be able to improvise

[Gill-C in reply to FredaE]

oh great idea. Thanks so much

[FredaE in reply to FredaE]

still thinking...could you thread a rubber ball on to you sticks, non inflatable or a stiff sponge or half a stiff beach ball

[Gill-C in reply to FredaE]

oh clever use of available resources!

[Janeyl]

Sand is very tricky -and as I recall, Mediterranean beaches are not all that tidal. C managed a paddle immediately after high tide when the sand was tightly compacted.

Chris on the beach at Oxwich Bay, Gower Peninsula

[Gill-C in reply to Janeyl]

good idea and super photo. Gx

[esj20]

More Gin I would say and they'll not give a hoot. well, it is a holiday and anything goes!

[Monkeyfeet1]

we went to Cornwall in the winter and recent the Maldives- we managed by my husband holding my hands and walking backwards. I have severe problems with balance. Those beach wheelchairs look great of your friend can get a hold of one. I hope she has a great holiday!

[Gill-C in reply to Monkeyfeet1]

oh well done! Holidays can be a daunting prospect but essential to retaining some part of who we were.

Apparently there’s a special stabilising tripod shaped rubber ferrule that you can get to put on the bottom of a stick to help with unstable terrain and with standing. As yet untested!

[Monkeyfeet1 in reply to Gill-C]

thank you Gill. Can you post details?

[Gill-C in reply to Monkeyfeet1]

With the usual caveats - not yet tested by either my friend or I and other brands are bound to be available 😊

stickandcaneshop.co.uk/blac...

[Monkeyfeet1 in reply to Gill-C]

thank you x