I have a big problem which is seriously affecting my training. I just can't tolerate cold water, and any temperature below 31C is too cold for me even with a 3mm suit. I start shivering violently and turn disturbingly blue. It feels awful to get in the pool, and it seriously affects my performance - my max dry static time is 1:32 less than my max static in the pool, and I can't push myself because in this state there is a high risk of of passing out. It also looks terrible when I start shaking during a static, and makes it very difficult for my buddy to tell if I am OK.
Even though other freedivers in the pool sometimes complain about the cold, and they don't always have a suit, I have never seen anyone suffering as much as myself. Some of my training sessions feel as if they are battles to overcome shivering, sometimes to the point where my main reason for surfacing is unbearable cold rather than the need for air.
This problem started about a year ago - before that I was able to work outdoors in very cold weather with no problems, and I have never been someone who feels the cold much until now. It also happens to a lesser extent out of the water. There was no incident or illness which started the problem, as far as I can remember.
It is not set off or made worse by holding my breath - even if I stay on the surface the whole time, it becomes very unpleasant. I recover quickly afterwards, even if I have to get home in cold weather, but there isn't any sign of increasing resistance.
I am in good health and have not made any major changes to my diet or lifestyle over the time this has happened. It started before I started freediving, so I don't think holding my breath is the cause of the problem. I don't feel weak, tired or stressed, and have not lost weight.
It would be a huge relief to find out what has gone wrong and what I can do about it.
Any ideas would be welcome.
Lucia
Even though other freedivers in the pool sometimes complain about the cold, and they don't always have a suit, I have never seen anyone suffering as much as myself. Some of my training sessions feel as if they are battles to overcome shivering, sometimes to the point where my main reason for surfacing is unbearable cold rather than the need for air.
This problem started about a year ago - before that I was able to work outdoors in very cold weather with no problems, and I have never been someone who feels the cold much until now. It also happens to a lesser extent out of the water. There was no incident or illness which started the problem, as far as I can remember.
It is not set off or made worse by holding my breath - even if I stay on the surface the whole time, it becomes very unpleasant. I recover quickly afterwards, even if I have to get home in cold weather, but there isn't any sign of increasing resistance.
I am in good health and have not made any major changes to my diet or lifestyle over the time this has happened. It started before I started freediving, so I don't think holding my breath is the cause of the problem. I don't feel weak, tired or stressed, and have not lost weight.
It would be a huge relief to find out what has gone wrong and what I can do about it.
Any ideas would be welcome.
Lucia