I was lucky enough to come across an advert from another sailing parent who was selling a pair of branded sailing shoes.
They were kind enough to let them go at an affordable price. Since the seller’s child had only worn them a couple of times, the shoes were practically brand new!
My sailor is thrilled to have them—not only because they are comfortable and well-designed, but also because she now matches her sailing buddy! Most importantly, the soles are thick enough to provide solid protection for her feet around the slipway and on the boat.
Down at the National Sailing Centre (NSC), I often see sailors walking around barefoot. Many prefer to sail without shoes because they feel footwear gets in the way. However, I’ve seen numerous sailors head to the front office for first aid after suffering cuts on their feet from sharp barnacles, debris, or boat fittings.
We rely on our feet constantly while sailing and moving around the boat park. When we fail to protect them properly, a minor cut can quickly disrupt training or cause long-term pain.
My advice to all parents and young sailors: always wear proper footwear on and off the water!
Signing off,
Raymond Seah
