calf cramps at surface only

[TEERLKAY]

apologies if there is a better forum to post this in...

my rescue diver class exposed a problem i am having - foot cramps at surface only. underwater my gear/calves are fine - my kit includes a back inflate BC (zeagle with 34lbs of lift. with an al tank and a 3 mil wetsuit iam putting on twelve pounds of lead in saltwater - 8 in front ditchable pockets and 4 in rear non ditchable. until i started using rear pockets, at surface the bc DID want to pitch me forward but with the rear weights i dont feel that anymore. my fins are mares quattros with steel spring straps - the foot pockets are roomy enough and the spring straps are very comfortable. i've been diving this same equipment for years and underwater i very rarely suffer a cramp. but on the surface either by myself or towing exercises i cramp up fairly quickly and fairly painfully. i usually do a good job of hydrating/potassium/electrolytes

i am going to try - in order
more stretching - focusing on calves
different fins when i know i have lots of surface time
jacket bc

but i am open to suggestions

tia

peace

[Duke Dive Medicine]

Maybe the change in body mechanics when you swim on the surface is causing you to use your fins in a different way. Try being mindful of your foot position and the exact muscles that you're using when you swim underwater vs. on the surface.

Best regards,
DDM

[Hatul]

Stretching and doing lifts on toes pre dive works for me.

[TEERLKAY]

DDM,
I’m pretty sure what you mention plays a role here – I most probably am using different body mechanics/muscles while on the surface. Before I added trim weights to my back inflate BC, I thought the cramps could be attributed to me constantly fighting the tendency to pitch forward on the surface. I don’t feel that tendency anymore (since I added rear trim weights but perhaps it’s still there to a lesser degree.

Hatul,
I can certainly do a better job stretching (in pretty much every physical activity)

I’m also looking for perhaps a “surface specific fin” that would allow me to do more surface work while being easier on my calves while still providing adequate underwater properties.

Thanks for the responses

[raftingtigger]

Are you kicking harder while on the surface? Are you surface swimming face down, on your side, or on your back? Does that make a difference.

It makes a big difference to me on what position I'm in. I will cramp quickly if swimming face in, but rarely if back swimming. A side swim (mask on, snorkel in, one eye below/above the water) works very well. In my case I don't think my fins are fully engaged in the water when swimming face in.

When finning u/w I'm usually in 'slow cruise' mode. This is very relaxed with gentle kicks. When finning on the surface I'm trying to go somewhere. Much harder, longer fin strokes.

[Hatul]

If it's a question of fins, try Force Fins Pro. They have a wide open foot pocket that moves the stress away from toes and up to the ankle.

Adam