I start each workday with a quick check of the weather forecast. Most evenings, after my kids have gone to bed, I’ll head out for a run to burn the legs and open up the lungs a bit, managing to sprinkle in the occasional round of glow disc golf, should the mood strike me, of course.
Last night, the plan was no different.
Five miles under city lights.
It helps me unwind.
The only issue?
The weather forecast called for a solid chance of rain – and that’s exactly what happened. I have zero issue running in the rain, so that’s what I did. Besides, that’s what light-weight, waterproof jackets are for. And given enough time, running socks and shoes dry out relatively quickly.
But for the aforementioned round of glow golf?
Forget about it.
Day or night, on the off chance my disc-golf itch requires braving moisture to get scratched, I take all the necessary precautions to ensure a clean, somewhat comfortable round. Without thinking, I’ll remove a few discs from my bag to make room for the stuff that matters:
- That waterproof jacket? I’ll ball it up and bring it.
- If the situation calls for it, a small umbrella will suffice.
- Everyone has their preferred grip enhancer – mine’s a bead bag.
- The more hand towels that can be stuffed into a Ziploc bag, the better.
That’s all fine and dandy …
But it’s obvious.
According to 2008 PDGA World Champion, Dave Feldberg …
The REAL key to rainy round success is to avoid throwing-hand saturation.
Hands produce natural oils. When they’re dry, though you can’t always feel them, they’re there. And when they’re wet, they wash off. Have you ever spent too much time in the tub and noticed your fingers turn “pruney,” by chance? This happens when your hands aren’t able to produce enough oil to combat the water they’re submerged in. And during a round of disc golf …
It’s bad news.
You can’t grip a disc anymore.
Ouch.
To combat this, it’s a good idea to keep your throwing hand in your pocket to do everything that doesn’t involve hurling a disc – as much as possible, at least: check scores, mark your lie, etc.
Here’s where Feldberg’s unusual tip (finally) comes into focus …
Even if it’s warm outside, put a disposable hand-warmer inside the pocket in which you plan to keep your throwing hand between shots. Per its purpose, it’ll keep it dry and warm, allowing your hand to continue to produce the oils needed to properly grip a disc. Furthermore, as an added bonus, it’ll act as a dirt bag of sorts, drawing excess moisture from your fingertips.
A dry, warm hand is one capable of ripping plastic.
That’s kind of the whole point, right?
Not bad for something you can buy in bulk for next to nothing at a gas station.
Thanks for your genius, Dave.
It’s appreciated.
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I just wear a rain glove.
What the …
What kind of glove?
(never heard of one)
South Puget Sound area, I play all winter meaning much of the time in a light drizzle. Throw left and right backhand, so much of the time with a pair of “Friction disc golf gloves” (search on that will take you to their site). They make both Disc Golf and Ultimate models (I don’t what the difference is), with an microfleece-insulated model I use only with temps below freezing.
With my tiny hands, good grip is critical. Have used them about five years and find them effective (and helpfully warm in 35-45 degree drizzle).
They had their end of season sale a few weeks ago and I bought my annual two pair. Don’t know if they’re having Black Friday deals but you may want to check them out.
I’ve tinkered with ’em a bit …
They’re are guys that swear by them – I can’t seem to make them work.
Just too bulky, you know?
My wife likes them, though.
I’ve seen Ezra Aderhold rock ’em a time or two, as well.
So there are plenty of Friction Gloves fans out there!
Even the thin microfleece in the insulated ones are bulky enough to affect a throw some. It’s a trade-off for comfort I sometimes make. But perhaps I use the regular ones enough that I simply forget I’m wearing them. And they’re thin enough to use a smartphone touchscreen without taking them off.
But you’re right, depends on individual ‘feel.’ I got one that was too large once and gave it to a left-handed friend. He now uses it year-round—Old Guy like me…perhaps it helps us retain our grip as we turn into slow-arms.
If you want to give them another try, I was right about the Black Friday sale—they’re 30% off today and through the weekend. (And you sometimes link to products and get a a bit of the sale price, right? 😉 )