leg cramps while snorkeling

[popolarbear]

any one have suggestions or tricks to deal with or prevent leg cramps. for some reason we have been having alot of them lately.

[DetectorGuy]

If you are generally dehydrated you will have more leg cramps than if you are hydrated. When I get leg cramps I pause and pull my fin tip towards my chest for 30 seconds and they go away most of the time. Also if you use your quadracep and glutimus maximus (classic scissors kick) for the power in your kick instead of your lower leg (bicycle kick) you will be using a bigger muscle group and therefore less cramps too. Hope this helps...

[DiverQueen]

Having fins that are too tight or too loose can aslo cause cramping.  As can mineral depletion.  So in addition to drinking to prevent dehydration, eat snacks such as Bananas, Green Peppers, Beef Jerky and Soda Crackers!

I would hate to admit that sometimes other exercise is needed to keep the muscles in shape...walking, riding bike, lifting weights.... :  Things that I need to do more of! 

[Raysh]

the frog kick alleviates alot of cramping, not sure if you can do that snorkeling. eating anything with a high level of potassium is good for cramping. Raisins have a huge amount of potassium in them.

[Dirk Diggler]

Raisins are marginal.

Your issues are water difficiency.  Drink a more water.

But if you dont want to consider more intact of water here's a better list of foods with higher potassium (which should be part of your diet any way)
Papaya
Apricots (fresh)
Avocado
Banana ***
Cantaloupe
Honeydew
Kiwi
Lima beans
Milk ***
Oranges and orange juice
Potatoes (can be reduced to moderate by soaking peeled, sliced potatoes overnight before cooking)
Prunes
Spinach
Tomatoes
Vegetable juice - I dont recommend because much of it is soldium based and low in nutritonal content, unless you "brew" it yourself.
Winter squash
Yogurt ***

Here's a marginal list:
Apple juice
Asparagus
Beets
Blackberries
Broccoli
Carrots
Cherries
Corn
Eggplant
Grapefruit
Green peas
Loose-leaf lettuce
Mushrooms, fresh
Onions
Peach
Pears
Pineapple
Raisins
Raspberries
Strawberries
Summer squash, including zucchini
Tangerines
Watermelon

Here's low list:
These foods give less electrolyte value per serving for people who need to increase their potassium levels.
Apples
Bell peppers
Blueberries
Cabbage
Cranberries
Cranberry juice
Cucumber
Fruit cocktail
Grapes
Green beans
Iceberg lettuce
Mandarin oranges, canned
Mushrooms
Peaches, canned
Pineapple, fresh
Plums

Meat-based sources other than milk and yougurt listed can also offer benefits.

Ideally, eat better and drink more water  =  way less cramps.

[arcFlash]

So DQ,
If I 'eat snacks such as Bananas, Green Peppers, Beef Jerky and Soda Crackers' how do I get rid of the tummy ache?

[DiverQueen]

BELCH......'ell if I know!?!?!


I'd suppose if you already know they upset your tummy, don't eat them.  That's one of the reasons you will never see me drinking milk!    :

[popolarbear]

this sounds like the greatest potential to help our situation. i believe i have been trying to force myself into this style of a kick, but after afew i switch back to old school style.
thanks all for tips.