Gripe No. 71: Wet socks as a result of a disc-retrieval

Wet socks are a nightmare.

This is especially true in disc golf.

Should your feet prove so sweaty they soak through the socks covering them, that’s one thing. However, the most infuriating of sock-soaking activities comes from attempting to retrieve a disc from a body of water: a pond, stream, river – even overzealous sprinklers can do serious damage.

For me, this (usually) happens in one of two ways.

First, should my disc trickle ever so slightly into a pond or puddle, I’ll often leave my socks and shoes on to retrieve it. Sure, there might be a mild threat of me falling in, but I’m young enough that my balance hasn’t completely gone to crap. That is, of course, until my confidence gets the better of me, and – slipping on a rock – my foot plants in the middle of said pond or puddle.

Life comes at you fast.

And second, if my disc comes to rest squarely at the bottom of some source of water beyond the reach of a nearby stick, so as to avoid the discomfort of wet socks, I’ll straight-up remove them and wade out into the water barefoot. Even employing this method, though, no socks escape unscathed. Somehow, someway – moisture gets in. And when it gets in, it sticks around.

Afterwards, you can fan those feet of yours with a frisbee all you like, but they’re not getting dry. Your best bet is to use a towel from your bag to dry them off before putting your socks and shoes back on. But still, combined with the dirt on the towel you normally use to clean your nasty discs, moisture remains. It’s a less-than-ideal quick-fix, but yes – it’s better than nothing.

Either way, the result?

Foot freaks will enjoy this one …

That’s right …

Pruney paws.

To be honest, wrinkled feet are the least of your worries. Because with wet feet accompanying you for the rest of your round, you can kiss any chance of a comfortable 18 holes goodbye.

As much as I hate to admit it, purchase an extendible disc-retriever to park permanently in your bag. It sucks to haul around, but when you need it, you’ll be glad you’ve got it. Full disclosure: This is advice I’ve NOT yet put into practice myself, hence me penning this post to begin with.

Another solution would be to rock Crocs, sandals or soccer-slides out on the course. They’re great for walking in water and take less than five minutes to air-dry. However, if your self-worth means anything at all to you, I’d avoid sinking to this low. Nothing says, “I have no earthly idea what I’m doing out here” more than sacrificing (kind of) quality play for convenient footwear.

My advice?

Don’t toss into the drink.

Easier said than done.

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