Cramps...

[Linkstah]

The weather's warming up, and thoughts turn to getting in the water more. Trouble is, I've been getting cramps in my legs even more than usual - which was already most of the time.

I do some stretches, I eat a banana and drink a Powerade before I head out, and it seems to help a bit, but doesn't eliminate them entirely.

Anyone have any foolproof cramp remedies (apart from being younger and fitter).

Cheers.

[meaksy]

Hey linkstah,

you from vicco right????

Are your extra cramps just because of the cold water temperatures at the moment? Always get cramps in winter (SA) moreso and never had a cramp surfing in qld.
I guess your circulation slows when you get cold and it probably contributes to a slower clearance of lactic acid hence cramps occur sooner.
Besides getting fitter and training your body to operate better under stresss i would suggest getting a thicker wetsuit. I used to always just wear a 3/2 in winter and cramp up pretty quick. Got a better thicker wetsuit and i can easy go 2.5 times longer even when its super windyusually

and keep them stretches going.

[Linkstah]

Yeah Meaksy, I'm from Vic. Cold probably doesn't help that much, but it's been a long term issue Summer and Winter. I wear a 4/3 in winter. When it's really cold I'll wear a 3mm vest, gloves and even sometimes a hood. I look a sight but it keeps the chill out. And I am pretty cold blooded.

I don't think it's just cold though. As I said, I get them in Summer, and I get them when I'm scuba diving as well (really thick wettie in summer, drysuit in winter).

It just seems to be my thing. Dammit.

[meaksy]

bugger, sounds like increasing your fitness and flexibility is the only way to go for you then. Only other option i can think of is for you to paddle more with your arms and only use your legs for when you really need them so they dont get tired and a lactic acid build up. Where do you cramp the most, calves, hammies, quads or around the knees?