Now you've gone and done it. You've thrown your prized DX Leopard into the drink!
P.S. - if it really was a DX Leopard I wouldn't bother reading this article, I'd just leave it to its watery grave.
If you've lost a disc to Davy Jones' Locker, then you probably would like to get it back.
This isn't always easy, but there are ways to resurface your plastic.
Read this guide for some of the best tips and tricks for getting discs out of water.
Why Wading for Your Discs Sucks
Most disc golfers have taken this approach in desperation. The problem with wading in water? You get soaked.
Being wet can ruin the rest of your round, and if it's a cold day, you'll probably end up going home with a DNF.
This also only works if the water is clear. When the water is muddy, the chances of finding your disc golf disc go down drastically.
You Can Use Wading Boots
Wading boots can make the wading method more viable. You should be able to stay relatively dry and still retrieve most of your water dwelling discs.
Warning: If you live in gator territory, do not attempt to retrieve discs in the water. Some literally got bitten in the face trying to do so. It doesn't sound worth it to me.
Using Retrievers
Using a disc golf retriever is by far the best method when your disc is in clear sight. The one limitation is that when your disc is in the middle of a large water body, your retriever might not be able to reach.
Using a retriever:
- Keeps you dry
- Is fast
- Is safer
You can learn more about the best disc golf retrievers here.
The Golden Retriever
This retriever is made by Dynamic Discs, specifically for getting discs out of water. The downside is that it will take multiple attempts to actually pick up your disc.
Using Maxdisctance Retrievers
Maxdistance retrievers have quickly become the go-to retrievers for disc golfers with their innovative suction cup ball design.
Taking a look at one of these things, you'd think - "these will never work in water".
Well, think again, the suction cups actually work better when your disc is in water.
Using Pond Rakes
Many disc golfers harvest the water hazards on their courses for discs with pond rakes. These can be homemade for around $100 or so, or you can buy standard pond rakes and use them to get discs.
These are about the best choice when the water is cloudy and you can't see your disc. This is because they cover a wider area than other methods.
Do note that these only work well on clean surfaces. If the lake bed has a lot of roots and the like, it'll be very difficult to use a rake.
Hire a Professional Diver
This is more of a joke, but you may have seen the divers before at pro disc golf tournaments.
These guys sit in the water and retrieve discs for any pro who happens to land one in the drink.
The End
To conclude, there are times where you simply can't get your disc back. On the other hand, if you have the right equipment, you can get them back 75% of the time! And you can do it without getting wet.
Even when it's an easy fetch, having a retriever handy makes life easier, and your rounds more enjoyable.
Consider reading one of our other articles. If you do, we're near certain you'll go bogey free next round...
