Re: [Paddlewise] Cold Water Gasp

Mike wrote:
<<<<<SNIP>>>>>> The cold water gasp phenomena is controllable to
some degree and can be prevented with mental prep and by becoming accustomed
to cold water.  It is primarily a concern for folks that are
unprepared.<<<<<<

It is my understanding that the folks most likely to be affected by cold
water shock mare those whose torsos are exposed enough to experience a very
sudden decrease in skin temperature there and those who may have lost their
ability to control the gasp reflex when underwater due to the effects of
drinking alcohol on the nervous system. I'm guessing alcohol's effect of
dilating the blood vessels near the skin might also increase the magnitude
of the "shock" experienced during cold water shock.

Matt Broze
http://www.marinerkayaks.com


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