I am a type “A” personality and with that comes taking ownership of mistakes. You’ll never hear me say “that I was missed informed”; as you’ll see, I am not perfect but I don’t give up.

Nearly two years ago, while at a SOFIC Conference, I ran across two companies whom I thought had some interesting products – Sealskinz and OTB (now a New Balance Company) boots. I was completely high – still am – on OTB’s concept, and in particular their line of SAR (Search and Rescue) sadly missing from their current catalog.

My plan was to test both products concurrently and both Sealskinz and OTB sent me a T&E sample, for the review – thank you both.

My review was to consist of wearing the Sealskinz waterproof socks and the OTB SAR boot, jumping in the pool at Piedmont Park, do a little combat swim, then exit the pool and hit the 800 meter track just outside the pool area. My objective was to validate the waterproof sock, the boot drainage system and its ability to keep out dirt and the small debris that I would encounter while running the 800 meter.

I approached the pool management about the review and asked for permission to come in 30 minutes prior to opening, with a photographer, to do the swim. The pool manager looks at me like I was crazy and asked me what I meant by a combat swim. She immediately directs me to city government who most likely had me followed around by behavioral scientists. Mind you, this is the same pool that every wino uses as a urinal after midnight so you’d think they would like to get the press. Nope, not happening!

Ok, do I stick my foot in a bucket filled with water and call it a test. Nope, not me I am a type “A” remember.

I waited for a response from the City of Atlanta for several months, Nada.

I then approached LA Fitness. I sat with the manager and asked if they’d allow me to use the pool – a nice 50 meter pool. I told him that I’d like to come in early in the a.m. or late at night with a photographer. The manager looks at me like I am nuts, until it sinks in that I was doing a review. He then says sure, but I can’t let you take pictures. Why not I said! I pleaded with the guy that this would take place when no one was in the pool – No go! It was no problem to jump in the pool with the SAR boots and swim a couple of laps but pictures were out. OK, go figure!

I followed up my meeting with the local manager with a call to LA Fitness Corporate – no pictures!

 It is now a couple of years later and I think that I’ve finally found a pool that will let me do this. Too early to say just yet but I am keeping my fingers cross.

To Sealskinz and OTB the review will be done and my sincerest apologies for the delay; the saga continues.