What is the most efficient way to prevent cramps?

Question

I almost always get cramps when swimming with flippers, but never without them. Do i need bigger or smaller flippers or something?

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Answer 1

Aside from rehydrating, try warm up exercises prior to swimming and eat foods rich in potassium - such as bananas.

Answer 2

I teach scuba diving and generally the problem you are sufferring from is recognised as a result of flippers (or fins as we call them in the diving community) being to small for you!

I would recommend that you invest in a good pair of flippers bought from a dive shop - they will give you best advice on the selection.

Other causes of cramp can be that you are using muscles not normally used - don't be tempted to kick fast with flippers on. The kick should be a relaxed, whole leg, kick letting the flippers do the work for you - again a well designed fin will propel you well through the water with minimal effort. Also, dehydration can cause cramp. If you are spending a lot of time in the water you will, surprisingly, lose a lot of water. Make sure you drink plenty of water and avoid diahoretics such as fizzy drinks, tea and coffee.

Answer 3

bannanas, milk, stretch

Answer 4

drink lots of water.