Among the many physiological responses to swimming in cold water that have been suspected of contributing to the high incidence of deaths in the swim portion of triathlon are three unusual entities: two of which are uncommon (less than 2% of the population), and one which is quite rare. Now, take a deep breath: no […]
The two previous posts outlined the stimulating effects of cold water shock and the fight or flight response, which, when countered with a suppressing effects of the diving reflex, can lead to what is known as an autonomic conflict, causing a higher than normal risk of cardiac arrhythmia, a rare but potentially lethal event in […]
In our last post, we reviewed two important human reflexes that may play a role in open water swim fatalities: The cold water shock response, and the mammalian diving reflex. There are several more: Flight or Flight Response. As an acute stress response, this is essentially a basic survival instinct: a comprehensive neurological discharge of […]
A simple definition of Physiological: “the organic processes and phenomena of an organism or any of its parts or of a particular bodily process”. With the growth and immense popularity of open water swimming and triathlon in the last 15 years, a disturbing trend has come to light which is the disproportionate number of deaths […]
Open water swimmers transitioning from the pool will have some new equipment variables: primarily this is about a wetsuit, but even goggles and a swim cap have to be reconsidered. Wetsuit Since most swimming in open water is colder than the average pool, a wetsuit becomes necessary for insulation, especially for longer swims, since the […]
Last week, we explored some of the factors that increase anxiety when swimming in open water, such as the decreased feeling of safety, the uncertainty of the bottom, the expansiveness of open water environments, and the risk of body contact in open water swim events. This week’s post will cover several more sources of anxiety. […]
Uncertainty generates anxiety. The more uncertainties you have about something, the more overwhelmed you can become. Being anxious while swimming in open water may seem to be primarily the result of worrying about one thing, but just as often it can be a function of several uncertainties added together to make a very uncomfortable feeling. […]
One of the first things that pool swimmers discover when transitioning to open water swimming is a difference in the water surface – it is rarely as smooth as a pool. Whether a surface ripple, a light chop, variable swells, a tide, a visible current, or true waves with whitecaps, these new variables will challenge […]
In the last post, we considered the importance of complete expirations in the water and a normal breathing rhythm while swimming freestyle, to avoid the build-up of carbon dioxide (which drives the urge to breathe), shortness of breath, anxiety, and even panic when not done adequately. In this discussion, we consider the importance of rate of […]
It is now early June, and the lake temperature (incredibly) at Gyro Beach here in Kelowna this morning was a balmy 18°C today. It is warm enough to enjoy swimming in the lake–already we have fishermen, paddlers, sailors, waterskiers, power-boaters, windsurfers and swimmers vying for their piece of the water (it’s important to be seen using […]