Just being Lazy or a good idea?

[mavjax]

I hope don't attract a ton of flames for this idea, if I do I will just grab my gear and jump into the nearest body of water.

We (my fiance, my 3 kids and I) spent the weekend diving at a local spring. The 2 grow'd up and 2 of the kids are certified. We had a fun weekend and got in a reasonable number of dives as well as some swimming, bbq time and a bon fire under the stars. Sunday afternoon sitting in the car, the grow's ups start feeling their age and some stiffness most likely from all the loading an unloading of gear etc (the kids helped in the ways kids usually do (as little as possible)), walking to to water fully loaded with tank and weights etc... etc... By today it kind of feels like we moved a kid into a small apartment this weekend.

As I am driving I contemplate what would make life easier and it hits me... why not spend $20 on a 2 wheeled hand truck (like they use for moving small appliances) and use it any time tanks need to be moved, including moving the fully set rig, weights and all, down to the water's edge. Using this approach we may all walk a bit further but without putting the stress on the lower back and shoulders.

I checked out Divefitness.com and even found an article on back stress that suggested this type of thing for people doing surface support.

Any thought/comments ..... and yes, I already have a routine of neck and back exercices that I do that include strength and strectching (although they don't get done as often as they should).

 

[Ontario Diver]

Being lazy ain't always foolish.

Ever watched a dive shop that fills lots of doubles...... They use hand trucks too!

Go for it.

 

[Dive-aholic]

I hope don't attract a ton of flames for this idea, if I do I will just grab my gear and jump into the nearest body of water.

We (my fiance, my 3 kids and I) spent the weekend diving at a local spring. The 2 grow'd up and 2 of the kids are certified. We had a fun weekend and got in a reasonable number of dives as well as some swimming, bbq time and a bon fire under the starts. Sunday afternoon sitting in the car, the grow's ups start feeling their age and some stiffness most likely from all the loading an unloading of gear etc (the kids helped in the ways kids usually do (as little as possible), walking to to water fully loaded with tank and weights etc... etc... By today it kind of feels like we moved a kid into a small apartment this weekend.

As I am driving I contemplate what would make life easier and it hits me... why not spent $20 on a 2 wheeled hand truck (like they use for moving small appliances) and use it any time tanks need to be moved, including moving the fully set rig, weights and all, down to the water's edge. Using this approach we may all walk a but further but without putting the stress on the lower back and shoulders.

I checked out Divefitness.com and even found an article on back stress that suggested this type of thing for people doing surface support.

Any thought/comments ..... and yes, I already have a routine of neck and back exercices that I do that include strength and strectching (although they don't get done as often as they should).

I keep my hand truck stored right next to my tanks and gear. I don't go local diving without it. I wouldn't buy a $20 truck, though. Spend about twice as much and get one with inflatable tires. It will be a lot easier to move over dirt and grass than the hard, plastic tires.

 

[rmediver2002]

"work smarter not harder"

Good idea to use the handtruck

 

[mavjax]

I keep my hand truck stored right next to my tanks and gear. I don't go local diving without it. I wouldn't buy a $20 truck, though. Spend about twice as much and get one with inflatable tires. It will be a lot easier to move over dirt and grass than the hard, plastic tires.

Thanks for the relplies... initially I felt... well.... almost embarassed about showing up at a site with a hand truck but now I go forth with renewed confidence. I like the "working smarter not harder" idea on this one.

I did some checking yesterday and Harbor Freight Tools in Jax has one 600 pound capacity, inflatable wheels, $21.00, the 700 pound version, with larger tires is $40+. Even though the larhger one is heavier, I think it is a winner as it will be easier to handle on on the dirt and grass.

Here is the 700 pound version on the Web. Looks like the local store is having a sale....should probably stop by at lunch today.

 

[Dive-aholic]

Thanks for the relplies... initially I felt... well.... almost embarassed about showing up at a site with a hand truck but now I go forth with renewed confidence. I like the "working smarter not harder" idea on this one.

I did some checking yesterday and Harbor Freight Tools in Jax has one 600 pound capacity, inflatable wheels, $21.00, the 700 pound version, with larger tires is $40+. Even though the larhger one is heavier, I think it is a winner as it will be easier to handle on on the dirt and grass.

Here is the 700 pound version on the Web. Looks like the local store is having a sale....should probably stop by at lunch today.

The 700 lb version looks identical to the one we have. Make sure to buy some bungees to secure the gear to the truck.

 

[ScubaFreak]

Not a bad idea at all. Your back is your lifeline.
I'm a Neuromuscular Therapist, and the amount of people I see that have back problems from the silliest of things.

If more people were like you I'd be out of a job

SF