Re: [Paddlewise] Gasp reflex?

From: R. Walker <rwwalker_at_txucom.net>
Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2000 01:36:24 -0500
> So how do the polar bear club type swimmers handle the gasp reflex?  You
> see film clips every winter of these folks in skimpy swim suits jumping
> into icy lakes and at least pretending to enjoy the experience.

If you fill your lungs to maximum capacity, the reflex is basically
rendered irrelevant; I've done this a couple times practicing rolls in
cold water.  I still *feel* the gasp; but because my chest is already
expanded to its physical limit, no water gets breathed in.   Doesn't stop
the icecream headache though.....


Richard Walker
Conroe, TX
http://people.txucom.net/~rwwamtek/kayak_log.html

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Received on Wed Sep 06 2000 - 23:37:22 PDT

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