OTOH, I find that I'm most likely to get cramps (~90 percent of the sessions) when I'm in my best state of shape (plus in colder water).john wrote:Too much whining and crying about swimfins and cramps --just get in shape and go ride some waves anyway you choose!! ...
CALF CRAMPS!!
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Experience gained is in proportion to equipment ruined.
Calf cramps!
My real job besides kneeriding is Swimming and Water polo coach.
My experience is that three remedies exist for cramps.
1) Get in shape. I usually get more cramps in the early season and none later in the winter. My swimmers do the same thing during training.
2) Stretch calfs before a surf. Lean against your car and stretch them. For some reason this really works.
3) More salt, potassium, and/or water in your diet. It is usually not the salt. Bananas!!!
My experience is that three remedies exist for cramps.
1) Get in shape. I usually get more cramps in the early season and none later in the winter. My swimmers do the same thing during training.
2) Stretch calfs before a surf. Lean against your car and stretch them. For some reason this really works.
3) More salt, potassium, and/or water in your diet. It is usually not the salt. Bananas!!!
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Burnwater
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I second the motion on all the above. However, even after all of that I was still getting the occasional calf or hammy cramp. I've since started chugging a 50/50 blend of a glucose based energy drink like RipIt or Monster low carb with aloe vera juice before and after a session. Haven't had a cramp since.
Some good cramp info at:
http://www.surfline.com/community/who knows/1_17_cramping.cfm
Some good cramp info at:
http://www.surfline.com/community/who knows/1_17_cramping.cfm
tread lightly, lean forward, leave a clean trail.
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Man O' War
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- Location: Miami FL
A Solution
Guys/Gals,
If you're cramping, you're obviously kicking too much. Your body is trying to tell you something.
Try this simple formula: multiply your age by 1 minute. That's how many minutes it should be taking you to get back out to the lineup. Any faster and you're kicking too hard. Suppress that stoke.
Kidding, of course... Cramps can be excruciating, especially if they attack when you're up. I'm trying everything on this thread.
If you're cramping, you're obviously kicking too much. Your body is trying to tell you something.
Try this simple formula: multiply your age by 1 minute. That's how many minutes it should be taking you to get back out to the lineup. Any faster and you're kicking too hard. Suppress that stoke.
Kidding, of course... Cramps can be excruciating, especially if they attack when you're up. I'm trying everything on this thread.
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DrStrange
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just stumbled on another possible remedy to prevent cramps. Garlic pills that are high in allicin (key ingredient not all have) showed in recent test to increase calf blood flow by approx 15% after 7 days at dose of 600 mg per day. Flush out the old lactic acid build up. One bottle will tell you if it works for you.
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flaps
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My solution to the cramp problem is a simple one that has worked for me now for many years--sip seawater...when I feel any first indication of a cramp coming on, I sip, not gulp, seawater...it works! Now I realize, especially after reading the post about the Tijuana River, that that's not possible for everyone, but if you surf in an area without any industry nearby, it's a great way to replenish salt, potassium, etc...I thiink gulping it is not good 'cause it'll dehydrate you eventually...so I just sip it...
It's already good tomorrow...