Re: [Paddlewise] Cold Water Gasp

Assuming it is possible, how is "habituation" to cold shock relevant to any
sea kayaker other than those inadequately dressed for the conditions? Is
anyone suggesting that appropriate immersion clothing can not prevent cold
shock? If not, then much of this discussion beyond dangers and prevention
becomes moot. What's the point of "habituating" to cold shock if you
normally wear appropriate immersion clothing that prevents it?

Craig


----- Original Message -----
From: "Ulli Hoeger" <uhoeger_at_hotmail.com>
To: <paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net>
Sent: Monday, November 19, 2001 5:01 PM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Cold Water Gasp


> Hi,
>
> >From memory I recall that cold shock/gasp reflex can't be prevented by
> the usual cold water clothing (wet- or drysuit), unless a additional
> spray hood is worn (feature of real survival suits).  Cold shock with
> related symptoms prevents coordinated action for up to several minutes,
> the best reason to wear a pfd to survive this period.  After cold shock
> is over, one benefits from immersion gear since hypothermia is delayed.
> I got this information from a seminar here in our university, held this
> spring by a guy who does his research on cold water immersion topics
> (offshore industry is one of the main sponsors of his program).
>
> However, the inital response to cold water immersion is different with
> every individual.  Frequent exposure gets the individual habituated, i.e.
> cold shock last shorter time.  Paddlers who frequently roll and practice
> in cold water get this habituation. Likely they slip unnoticable into
> this status of higher cold water readiness, since sane people start
> learning and practicing skills in warmer water and graduate over time to
> cold water conditions.  Longer breaks in practice schedulle and
> habituation can be lost.
>
> So far I only practiced a few times in water cold enough to give me brain
> freeze (aka icecream headache).  Completed those rolls and avoided
> swimming -maybe this is the way to learn skills punishment upon failure-.
>
> Cheers
>
> Ulli
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