Took the shortboard out to get some exercise. Nice paddle but couldn't really get into any of what was on offer. Beautiful bluebird day!
Question: I had to call it quits hella early because I started cramping. EVERYWHERE. What is up with that and how do I make that not happen? I expect that to be a problem at 3 hours... not 45 minutes.
Were you low on water? I always start to cramp if I do a double session and don't drink enough water in between. The cramping starts in my triceps.
Edit: the scholarly way to rephrase "Were you low on water?" is were you properly hydrated before you went out?
Nah I was pretty well hydrated, I think. Had a breakfast of cereal + tea, then biked 30 min's to the beach. I don't even think I broke a sweat biking.
Also it was all lower body stuff that cramped, starting with my right calf. WTF
On top of what has been said, it tends to happen to me if it is too cold. But after biking (warm-up) and with this mornings temperatures that should not be an issue either. Or did you paddle out in board-shorts? :)
I drink 3-4 tall glasses of water before i head out. That usually keeps cramps from happening. Also good thigh and leg stretches before I get in. But you rode your bike so I'm guessing you were loosened up. Drink plenty of water
I get cramps after surfing, usually for lack of hydrating and stretching. After a solid 3 hour session, all I want is a burrito, a bong, and a beer.
A toes up on a rock or wall stretch is good for the calves. I put my opposite foot behind, then in front of my stretching one to hit both calf muscles in one leg. But in the end it still happens to me sometimes. Same for shin splints for me when I run.
You had better drink PLENTY of water before EVER going out. You never know how long it will take to get back to shore. The board staying with you, and your ability to get back quickly are a myth.
Ya, let loose. Besides, it will warm up your body if you start to cramp. It hella helps... heh
I had the same problem sporadically with my entire legs cramping up calf through butt. I can't seem to relate it to anything other than just getting tired and getting older. I've gone through the list-hyrdration, warming up, building muscle endurance. But pickle juice said to rid cramps fastest once you get them-they actually think its the vinegar that might do it..... Not really practical to keep a flask of pickle juice in the wetsuit but maybe on the beach.
More exercise than normal (I.e. - more of a work out on the short board) could increase risk of cramps. Biking before and then maybe flexing your legs while navigating through the shore break might have been contributing factors. I once had some insane calf cramps on a crappy short-period swell day at OB... I don't know if it was from the overly frequent duck-diving or what.. But I never had experienced it like that before, and not in 3 years since.
it happened to me once. paddle out a bit so you do not get caught inside. enjoy the the view. look for shit in the water for about ten minutes. really observe the swell. you will be alright...
you've never pissed in your wetsuit? geeze. i dont think you are hydrated enough. i piss in it like 3 times a day. its called a peter heater.
Today I drank more water, stretched more thoroughly, and didn't have a problem. Thanks for all the advice!
And surfermax: I used to piss in my wetsuit plenty. Then I got MRSA.
