From: <FoldingBoats_at_aol.com> > There's no biological wiggle room to modify the pure physics? Changed > response patterns with regard to surface blood circulation potentially? There are. The ability of a person to handle cold is dependent on fitness level. Those who are in shape can handle colder conditions than those who are out of shape, regardless of level of body fat. This is due to the enhancement of the cardiovascular system and the way the body learns to control blood flow to the skin and extremities when fit. When I was a xc ski racer, I'd spend hours outside (not always really active) in just lycra and polypro at temps of -10C (give or take 5C). I'd burn calories just staying warm (unlike today where I absorb calories just looking at food!). This is a fitness-related acclimatization. Some of this stuff is documented, though I can't offer a source off the top of my head. So - conclusion: fitter paddlers will do better than unfit. If you improve your fitness level, you will improve your cold tolerance. I'd offer anecdotal evidence that acclimatization to cold works - I spend a lot of time outdoors and can handle cold better than many others - but that's not scientific. Many others offer the same evidence - whether it's a psychological or physical reaction I can't say. Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Wed Mar 19 2003 - 16:56:05 PST
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