Rubber Underground

Carlzbad . . .

Sometimes I just feel like being a rubberman, and on my current holiday excursion the impulse to be rubber 24/7 has been overwhelming whether in public or not. With a guest from the caribbean in tow we headed off to that big canyon in Arizona, stopping at Carlzbad Caverns on the way. So what did I do? Put on a pair of rubber blue jeans, black rubber shirt, and a black rubber jeans-style jacket and headed underground. The caverns are about 55 degrees but with no breeze I was working up a good sweat soon enough. Most of the hike down is not very brightly lit so i was not obviously in rubber, except for the constant squeeking as I walked. Once down in the main rooms, the lighting was brighter and it was obvious what I was wearing but noone gave me any grief. After that, it was pile back in the car for Roswell, where I tried to be a rubber alien (but got no pix), and then up north for a few days. All told, a nice day to be in rubber. All part of my 4 weeks of rubber (starting Dec. 9, spending part or all of each day in some form of latex gear. Next blog, hiking around the big ditch . . .

Rubber Travels Well

San Francisco, December 2010

After averaging 2 weeks on travel per month since August, I am finally on my way home, at least for a few hours before we drive off monday morning for a Christmas in the National Parks. I have some quiet time on the train heading back from SF after a week full of meetings, a concert and some museuming. I note I am on the Amtrak Surf-liner headed south, in full public rubber heard-to-toe and have been for 24 hours and will be for the next 2 weeks. My "kit" includes skin-tight black sailor front leggings with yellow stripe, yellow stripe fred perry shirt, black motor cycle jacket, and air force boots from the 1950s, all rubber of course. I'm also getting rock hard as I type this, but it is 7 am and maybe its just morning wood . . . I've also just gotten back from the men's room where I did some heavy re-polishing. Want to look good for the conductor. Since one of the kicks I get out of being a rubberman is being in rubber in public, I thought I'd share some of my adventures this past week.

I wore full rubber on the train to SF, a journey of 2 days. I was horny most of the way but didn't do anything about it. Sometimes I like that kind of denial aspect of being in full rubber and not being able to get off form hours on end. Besides I had two presentations to prepare so was on the computer most of the way. I didn't get much reaction except from 2 or 3 people who gave thumbs up and such. Most folks tried to pretend that they hadn't noticed but were clearly resisting the impulse to give me the full look over. Sometimes you catch people trying to take pictures on the sly, as if I wouldn't notice. Even when I had dinner in the dining car the couple sitting next to me didn't dare raise the subject although the guy across the aisle did ask what the suit was made of.

On Board in Rubber

Union Station

I arrived in town a little tired (it was 10 p.m.) and got to my room and took a nice hot shower. It felt very stimulating to take the rubber off and reenergize the skin. The next morning I went to work and took care of my official business for the day and then headed over to Mr S for some shopping, trying on at least 6 different things. I put off a purchasing decision until my last day but ultimately did get a striped tank top and shorts and found a pair of smokey latex pants I want for Christmas!

The next day it was down to business. I had an early morning presentation and a concert later that night (the "Low" Christmas Concert) and decided to dress that morning in the full rubber that I would wear for the show before heading off for the day. I chose the same outfit I wore on the train because I packed light. (Sadly it was hidden under my business dress but it felt wonderful be in full gear again even as I stood up and gave my spiel secretly wearing a full rubber suit underneath.) Rain was threatening that morning so I also wore the black motorcycle jacket too. (Some of the staff took notice and were disappointed when I returned the next day not wearing it!) Once I was done with my duties I left the hall, stripped off my cotton as soon as it was practical and walked the streets in full rubber, enjoying the light rain, eventually heading back the mile and a half to my room to get ready for the show that night. I wished it had rained all week. The rubber really shines and people are even more receptive to a rubber man in a rain storm, as became clear as I walked around center city.

Union Square, San Francisco

Holidays in the City, 2010

I love walking the streets of a large city in full rubber. Those few brave souls, most of them ordinary citizens, who toss out compliments are worth it all, and you know more than a few are envious they can't get away with it too. The first few days were warm enough that I was very comfortable but the last 2 days turned colder. I sallied forth despite the chill. I've been to MIR enough to know that full rubber in cold weather is difficult. It can feel like a thousand small needles being stuck into every inch of skin. As much as I dislike being cold, this feeling is exceptionally stimulating. If you've ever used the "pin wheel" during stimulation scenes, you have some idea of the feeling, except this is over every square inch! Of course, this is good only for short periods before your core temperature begins to drop dangerously.

Aside from my official obligations, the other objective of this trip was to visit the museums and photograph several unique collections of nude male sculpture for a book I'm working on publishing in the next moth or so. One of the best sculptures in the city is located on Market Street in the heart of the Financial District so go take a look next time you are there. It features 4 nearly naked men working strenuously on some sort of giant gear and lever system. Hot stuff. I saw it dressed in full rubber. Another is the italianate fountain in the center of Huntington Square featuring four naked guys holding up a large basin with turtles. It's strange but I feel like part of the sculpture dressed in tight rubber, the smooth shiny rubber reflecting on the polished brass or marble, as if I'm part of the sculpture that has come alive. Indeed I used such a fantasy when I entered MIR some years ago. Having some free time, I did a lot of posing with the sculptures.

"The Mechanics" Sculpture (closeup), Market Street

Fountain of the Tortoises, Huntington Park

Gates of Hell

My 3-day bus pass gave me unlimited travel in the city so I rode the Cable Cars as frequently as possible. One of the lines was just 3 blocks from the hotel. I've always liked the unique charm of the victorian system, and riding them is full rubber was a blast! Riding the bus system in full gear provided no problems but was a bit more crowded. One dude on the bus who seemed to have smoked a few too many blurted out "That is one cool outfit!" Everyone smiled.

Cable Cars

My visit to the Rodin Sculpture Garden in Palo Alto was in blue latex pants and black polo/jacket. To the Legion of Honor art gallery I was back in black and yellow. The guards I think enjoyed it more than the guests. One followed me to ask what the suit was made of. It seems a rule that museum, restaurant or retail staff welcome something like a man dressed in full rubber to break the monotony of dealing with cranky and unruly people all day long. It also gives them something to talk about during break. They are almost always the most friendly or inquisitive when I go someplace in rubber. I usually get more admiring comments from staff than from the visitors to these establishments. There are enough smirks to go around but it's also true that quite a few folk are secret admirers and wish they could do the same. Others are put off guard but it is not my job to protect them from the unique things in life. Kids under 12 are by far the most carefree in their comments, sometimes to their adults temporary discomfort. It never fails to put a smile on my face, and sometimes even theirs as their kids try to figure out what this strange person is wearing!

My last night in town was in the same full rubber uniform gear that I wore up here and would wear on the way home. I met some of my friends at a fancy italian restaurant, most of whom are familiar with my habits. A couple of young ladies came up and had to touch the rubber, and I was happy to oblige. After that it was back on board for the 3 night trip back home, where I started typing this long report.

A side adventure took place when I hopped on the Gold Line to go to one of my favorite places for breakfast during a long layover in LA. I got on board with about 2 dozen other folks, one of them a gentleman in a beard who seemed to take some notice. I stood the whole ride because I hate smudging my rubber ass on the seats. Our eyes caught each other a few times and I smiled back once or twice. The stop before mine he got up and came over to me and gave me a strong set of quick compliments, handed my his card and signaled me to call him as he got off. Over my waffle, I called him and asked what was up. He liked my style and confidence, thought I looked hot and wanted me to attend an event he was planning. I'm not sure what the event is yet but I will be there if possible!

Trains Home

Right now I'm finishing this story as we head back home across the southwest for an early morning arrival. Several nice ladies sitting several rows behind were rather obviously curious about what I was wearing and trying to take pictures. I smiled and posed and had a nice chat. I've already called home and told them I am not allowed to be out of rubber until after our New Year's Eve rubber party. The scent inside of my rubber suit already reminds me of a sweaty locker room. Nice. I hope the next 2 weeks never end!

MIR2011 - Part 3 (Sunday)

[Its Friday nite and I'm nursing a richolah so thought I'd do some editting on my MIR postings. I also reread Rubber Canuck's well-written blog on his experience as a contestant and remembered some things I had forgotten!]

--------------------------------------------------------

Sunday, the last day of MIR was spent having breakfast with the guys at annsathers (a tradition for mir), and then over to the kink mart for one last look at the vendors and "toy" area. I had wanted to spend some time in one of Kinkrubbers toys, the gimp sack, but was just to damn tired to enjoy it and was already getting the sore throat I'm still salving. My judging duties were over, however, and I enjoyed the entertainment nonetheless and said hello to many friends. rubberwilli found me and thanked me and gave me the small "gift pack" that eddie our host had put together for the judges. Its our little secret but I will say that the gifts will come in handy in our private "attic" space. [a prize package would have been cool too!]

[For more on the Judging Perspective, see my previous post from wednesday].

We went back to the hotel afterwards and after a group dinner at sushi next door (I was the only one still in rubber but that's me all over), many of us went over to Sidetracks for some classic video tunes and general merryment. I can't remember what I wore (my black uniform with white piping I think, a fabulous shirt from LaterWork in Peterborough) but it was full rubbery! Met lots of old friends and a few new ones! Got some groping in too. Okay, Monday was just plain tired but I got into my green rubber camo pants and shirt and headed over to the train station for the long ride home. The camo pants (Ill show some pics in a later blog) get some curious looks as the commoners try to figure out what it is I'm wearing. It was nice to let my thoughts drift into rubbery naughtiness for a cple of hours while the scenery rushed by. So now just like that I'm off again on travel for the next few weeks, and home is beginning to feel like a hotel. When is that next rubber weekend . . . ?

Rubber Canuck in his swimsuit

Toys . . . I wanted to be in mine!

Divng suit from Blackstyle

Aliens sighted at Sidetracks during the postMIR Sunday nite party

Waiting to board my train home monday afternoon in my camo rubber

MIR2011 - Part 2 (From the Judges Box)

Well, its wednesday and I am back home from Chicago. Resting. For some reason I am exceptionally tired and with a bit of a cough, and spent most of monday and tuesday doing nothing. (FYI, my hypothyroid levels sometimes leave me fatigued and the 5-hour energy blast I took saturday didn't help a bit! Grrr . . .). Back to MIR. This year's was probably the most fun I've ever had at an MIR. Being a Judge this year was a very special and personal honor and I am deeply grateful for the invite (and would love helping out at your event too!). So what was it like? Not nearly as much work or stress as being a contestant as I can tell from personal experience on both sides of the equation. As any of the contestants can tell you, and I've been a few times, it is an exhaustive effort and you are on your toes all weekend long. They say it should be fun and it is but it is work. There are so many components to be involved in that time for relaxing is prized.

Here is how it all went. When not "working" I spent most of my time at the Kink Mart and other events like everyone else. The judges all met for the first time friday afternoon where we were briefly introduced to the contestants (all 9 of them). We then left to join up with all the other hot rubbermen during the friday evening "greet the meat" social event. Here the contestants are supposed to mingle and be sociable. The judges just stand around looking important! (that's a joke, mostly) The judges were introduced by name during the opening ceremonies, my brief fleeting moment in the spotlight of fame . . . Entertainment included the "Rubber Pryce is Right," featuring two random audience members bidding on selected rubber items (including a 6-pack of beer?!?), a convocation by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and a flashback to a popular "wet rubber fantasy scene" from years past. Good News! Apparently the Wet Rubber portion of the event will return next year!

The first official judges task was the Friday nite "Rubber Image", where the contestants were introduced on stage for the first time. Each contestants walked on stage, and in 2 sentences or less told us who they were! A short paragraph they wrote before hand was also read out loud and the judges were supposed to judge "Rubber Image." Sorry guys, kinda hard to put it any more clearly than that! Not a heck of a lot of time to do it either . . . judging was based on essentially on composure and presentation of rubber. After this portion, most everyone went off to one of the numerous parties going on and unless they were bursting with raw sexual energy, most contestants and judges were too worn out to do much of that.

Day 2: Contestant Interviews. Everyone met at the center around 1 PM. Here each judge gets to ask one question of each contestant, with possibly more as time allowed. I usually got a second question. There being 9 of them and 7 of us, we were limited to 10-12 minutes per contestant and even so it took more than 2.5 hours to complete the interview process! Needless to say a break or two was required and using my rubber pants for on-the-spot water sports was not a convenient option. I have to admit I was a little nervous going into this. What one question do I ask? What can I learn from each man that helps me as a judge determine who is best qualified? We were briefed beforehand on how to judge from a technical standpoint but each judge carries his own experience and expectation into something like this, hence there are more than 1 judge.

One thing we discussed beforehand is the idea that there are no right or wrong answers (okay I can think of a few extreme answers that might be deemed inappropriate, but I think you get the point), rather we were looking for how well the contestant responded during "the moment", whether they could support their answers, and whether they could be informative, complete, and yet succinct. This is not an easy assessment, let me assure you! For example, humor is sometimes regarded as important but it can also detract from the ability to converse or convey effectively. It can be a tricky balance.

We had one hour before interviews to review the 9 applications. This does not seem like much and it isn't. Because the deadline was only the evening before, any prior access to applications might bias early submissions, hence we only got them on saturday. One comment that might be useful to future applicants: Make you applications concise and complete. If there is a point you would like to make about your qualifications, be sure to be explicit about the details (within reason)! Time is so short that judges cannot go off and prowl the internet looking for background information, or read a lengthy tome. It is less helpful if we need to use one of our questions simply to find out what you have done. It is more fun to explore your application in detail, rather than to go fact-finding. Tell us why you should be voted this title, your qualifications, and what you want to do with it! (I must say that when I ran for this title a few years back I made damn sure the judges knew these things up front and the interview went very well as a result. It was on stage I ran into trouble.)

Anyway, I digress. We did have a lot of fun with the interviews. Some of the less serious questions included: Use one word to describe each judge (I won't mention some of the words selected for me - "hot" was not one of them so some points were definitely missed!!!); If you could be reincarnated as one rubber object, what would it be and what would you do to me; Describe (explicitly) your perfect date, etc. . . In part, these types of questions are intended to test sponteneity and a command of the rubber lifestyle. In general I think most of the contestants missed these golden opportunities to show their more "randy" sides and stuck to less risque answers, but everyone did well enough.

After an interlude at the Kink Market upstairs and quick bite at the Whole Foods next door, I awaited the final part of the event, Saturdays show, which opened with Eddie's now infamous on-stage parody of Ladi Gaga, perfoming a corrupted version of Bad Romanse. I must say here that the view from the judges table was very nice: like front row seats we had at that Cyndi Lauper concert a few years ago . . . There were some hot outfits as you can see in the pix. I had a few favorites, including the white seamen's outfit and the smokey rubber suit. The two formal parts of the evening included: Question and Answer (If stranded on desert island with a fellow contestant, who and why?), and the Grab Bag (take a bag of random kitchen impliments and abuse the hapless test subject with them as if they were bondage gear). I may be wrong but sometimes I think the Grab Bag favors Tops, as they know more instinctively how to use such things. This usually gets the crowd howling as things like pudding and turkey basters end up in strange places.

Once our final scoring was submitted for counting we all moved into foyer and awaited the results like everyone else. So during the break at the bar I overheard some interesting speculations about who might be selected and who were audience favorites. Since the judges had not seen each others scores (and I couldn't remember mine any more), even we had no idea of the results (G-man was the winner). Enough for now I will have more perspectives in future posts, so let me know what you might like to hear about. In the meantime, here are a few more pix!

Sisters, sisters . . .

I have a thing for smoky transparent latex . . .

Rubber Dawgs during Friday's Greet the Meat.

The Rubber Pryce is Right!

Another scene from Friday nite show, Part 1.

A clean urinal is a happy urinal, at least early in the evening . . .

Horsing (or wolfing) around with a good friend, Int'l Mr. Leather 2010 Tyler McCormick.

MIR2011 - First Report

Spending a few moments in the hotel sorting pix (I worked hard today!). Here are some of those that caught my eye, and I should have a few more in a day or so. Being a judge here was probably the most fun I've had at one of these things. Both the judges and the contestants each brought unique perspectives and sorting it all out was not at all easy (I didn't think it would be but to try and do it is something else). I would have enjoyed even more time to get to know everyone involved, but time was short and we all did our very best. I also couldn't help but think back half a decade to what it was like as a contestant and how tense, exhilarated, confident, and unprepared I was. This event I think brought me full circle and helped me to complete that journey. Enough of that for now. Enjoy some pix!

Contestant from Italy (Francesco!) answering a question from the judges: "Which other contestant would you like to be stranded on desert island with and why?" Dang if I've forgotten the answer. I think I'd go sailing to a deserted island with him!

G-man, eventual MIR winner, relaxing during the first day of the meet

Eddie stealing the show . . . what's that he's spilled on his suit???

Some guys backside (hmmm, who could it be . . .)

pants by squeeze.dog

Eddie, our Emcee, and friends performing a rather twisted parody of Ladi Gagga . . .

Three of the 9 contestants. White seems popular this year.

Two exceptional outfits. The man in white came in second place.

Okay, I like this one especially . . .

It's a Start

Welcome! I've taken the leap and decided to give the blog system a try. I can't say how it will turn out, how often or what I will post but what the heck, why not. This blog is about rubber, specifically men in rubber, and more often than not about me in rubber and some of my rubber adventures. Some of you may know me better by my usual name, aqualaboy. I am often seen traveling in rubber clothes, wear rubber to work (underneath) or just plain sleep or work around the house in it.

I've just arrived in Chicago where I will help judge MIR, a major rubber title event. More on that next week and the experience of it, which should be interesting after having competed in more than one rubber title event in the past.

Scene from last year's MIR (2009). I think that's Tommy being dipped by that sailor.

Photo by aqualaboy.

The Theme of today's post is:

RUBBER BOOTWEAR

When you grow up in the snow like I did, rubber boots are a necessity but I wanted it to snow just to have an excuse to wear my green rubber boots to school, and then stomp in the slushy streets coming home. Since then I've accumulated a room full of rubber boots. What can I say? Heavy rubber boots are men stuff. They feel great to wear and look great.

Rubber japanese toe-boots, or Jika-Tabi (Tabi boots), by Earth Atom. They may look odd but with the right kind of toesocks can be comfortable and that rubber is exceptional.

Unlined rubber hipboots. Made in Germany by Blackstyle, they have an inseam of 40 inches and were sold as custom one-offs when the original purchaser failed to follow-through. My good fortune I guess!

Czechoslovak miners boots, "Siberian" from YellowCab (an online shoe company, if they are still in biz). They are very stiff, but with thick socks are a lot of fun, and I have a thing for yellow and black.

Doc Marten's. Photo taken in Oslo.