Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.
Benefits of registering include
Yeah I too prefer any long surface swims to be on my back--for the speed and comfort. Not sure if it would be better for me for cramping. When I used to cramp a lot I would take a compass reading (surfacing, if possible with the cramp(s), descend, and pull my way on the bottom toward water shallow enough to stand in to put pressure on the cramp and relieve it. Whatever works.I note that you say the cramps subside if you surface swim on your back....
In addition to all the other advice, Why don't you just surface swim on your back?
A lot of divers, including me, surface swim on our backs, not bc of cramps necessarily, but bc I find I swim faster and more efficiently on my back. Maybe it directs my legs more completely into the water.
I mostly shore dive, so there's often a long surface swim. When I need to travel, its on my back.
A lot of divers, including me, surface swim on our backs, not bc of cramps necessarily, but bc I find I swim faster and more efficiently on my back. Maybe it directs my legs more completely into the water.
I mostly shore dive, so there's often a long surface swim. When I need to travel, its on my back.
I hadn't heard about full foot fins helping, but I used to use them snorkeling in Florida & the tropics. Can't recall whether I cramped or not (so long ago). Not usable in cold water anyway.I used get calf cramps as well. It my fins. Also full foot fins help.