went for my first Open Water Swim this last Saturday.... I admit I am a bit of a wimp as far as water temps are concerned....Part of the problem is the pool I swim in is kept at 84-85 degrees all the time. Per request from noodlers...(see thread in general discussion "death to all noodlers") which makes it a big difference to jump into a lake. I have been monitoring our local lakes temperature, and it has been slow to warm up this year. Saturday, although the air was 62 the water was 73. When I jumped in I had a hard time breathing.. kinda small convulsions, gasping for air....after a few minutes they went away and I had a very enjoyable swim (except for the part I looked to see my 18 yr old daughter pacing me, doing ***!)..this is the second time it has happened to me....what to do? Thanks in advance.
I've seen in other threads (and this seems to be true) that the hyperventilation on entering the water is a reaction to the cold water hitting a nerve plexus located somewhere between the eyes. It takes about 30 seconds for that to relax.
Some swimmers begin all cold water swims by doing *** stroke until they get their bearings. I brace for it and make my first 10 or so strokes very smooth and very even. Then it goes away.
I've seen in other threads (and this seems to be true) that the hyperventilation on entering the water is a reaction to the cold water hitting a nerve plexus located somewhere between the eyes. It takes about 30 seconds for that to relax.
Some swimmers begin all cold water swims by doing *** stroke until they get their bearings. I brace for it and make my first 10 or so strokes very smooth and very even. Then it goes away.
