A Guide to Braving a Cold, Wet Winter Day
When rolling through the rain. There is a certain sound that wheelchair users know all too well: the rhythmic squelch-slap of wet tires on linoleum. The moment you transition from being outside on a rainy day to a dry hallway.
Winter days are often romanticized with talk of cosy sweaters and hot cocoa, but for those of us who use wheels, a “wintery, rainy day” is less of a Hallmark movie. More of an obstacle course. When you’re facing a grey forecast, here is a look at the reality—and a few ways to make it through with your sanity (and dry clothes) intact.
The Logistics of the “Wet Lap”
The biggest challenge of rain isn’t just getting wet; it’s where the water goes. When you’re walking, rain hits your head and shoulders. When you’re sitting, your lap becomes a natural basin for every drop of water that falls.
The realisation of just how much people understand about being a wheelchair user rolling through the rain, is when they say ‘you should get an umbrella connected to that‘ – ‘that’ I am assuming they mean my wheelchair. Now, I have to point out an umbrella would be impractical for several reasons.
- 1) It would have to be pretty big to cover my lap.
- 2) It would become a drag when pushing and even a hazard in strong winds.
- 3) I would look stupid!
But you still have the debate about extra aids to support going out in wet weather.
- The Poncho vs. Umbrella Debate: Holding an umbrella while pushing a manual chair is a feat of physics. Most of us haven’t mastered. Ponchos might not be “high fashion,” but they cover your knees and your backrest. Crucial for preventing that lingering damp chill.
- The Glove Factor: If you use a manual chair, your hands are essentially touching the ground. On a rainy day, that means cold, grit-covered rims. Neoprene or waterproof cycling gloves are absolute game-changers for maintaining grip without freezing your fingers.
Navigating the Terrain
Rain transforms the urban landscape. What was a minor crack in the sidewalk yesterday is now a deceptive puddle of unknown depth today.
- The “Slip-and-Slide”: Wet tile, marble or wooden flooring, and even painted crosswalks become ice rinks for rubber tires. Take corners wide and slow down earlier than you think you need to.
- Hidden Hazards: Puddles can hide potholes that are deep enough to tip a chair. Or stop a caster dead in its tracks. If you can’t see the bottom, try to find a way around.
- The Mud Factor: If you have to cross grass or gravel, rain turns it into a trap. Winter is the season of “know your limits” when it comes to off-roading.
The Post-Rain Ritual
The real work often starts once you get inside. There is the inevitable trail of “tire tracks” you leave across the floor—a literal map of everywhere you’ve been.
Pro-Tip: Keep a dedicated “wheel towel” by the front door. A quick spin of the wheels while holding the towel against the tires can save you hours of mopping later and prevents your carpet from turning into a swamp.
Finding the Silver Lining
Despite the soggy sleeves and the extra planning, there is something uniquely peaceful rolling through the rain. About being out when the world is quiet and grey. There’s a certain pride in navigating the elements and proving that a little (or a lot) of water won’t keep you grounded.
So, grab the waterproof gear, check your tire tread, and maybe treat yourself to an extra-large coffee. You’ve earned it.
Please note: I, Stuart Wheeler, founder of Freedom Wheelchair Skills, would not wear a rain protector. Such as in this photo.
I like to think I’m not to worried about image. Although the poncho being worn in this photo is something I would not consider. There are certain things I would consider and they are listed here:
- Getting wet – Get soaked at least twice a year – there must be some goodness in the Rain as it comes from the Gods, or Sky….
- Kenatic Balance Raindec – Ok they are a bit pricy but a nice treat. I use the small lap Raindec
- Use a bin liner or carrier bag over my lap – Ok, it might take a bit of practice to get one on to be super effective, but it can work.
And Finally
As a “new age” dad, I took my turn on the school run seriously. My son’s village primary school was tucked away in a small cul-de-sac just a short distance from home. Practically speaking, it was more effort to transfer myself and my chair into the car than it was to simply wheel there. Besides, navigating the “Chelsea Tractors” to find a safe spot to assemble my chair was a headache I didn’t need. So, rain or shine, we went on man-power: he walked, and I wheeled. There was a quiet pride in that—showing the “able” parents that a disability wasn’t going to keep me inside, no matter the weather.
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