DevonDiver
N/A
Is there any type of "stretching" or exercise that can be done prior to going in the water to prevent these nasty toe and/or calf cramps?
Standing Calf Stretch
The feet are placed stride width apart with the front leg slightly bent. The body weight is transferred forward whilst keeping the heel of the back foot on the ground. The stretch is felt down the back of the calf.
The stretch is then repeated on the other side.
Other exercises (from Runner's World):
Gastrocnemius (outer calf): Sit with both legs straight. Loop a rope around the ball of one foot and grasp each end of the rope. Flex your foot back toward your ankle, toes toward your knee.
Soleus (inner calf): Sit with one leg straight and the other bent. Grasp the bottom of the foot on the bent leg. Keeping your heel on the ground, pull your foot toward your body as far as you can.
Achilles Tendon (attaches heel to calf): Sit with one leg straight and one bent. Bring your heel close to your buttocks. Keeping your heel on the ground, pull your foot toward your body.