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Vertigo and cold-water immersions

 
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jamesbkeyes



Joined: 14 Oct 2006
Posts: 75
Location: Omaha, NE
PostPosted: Thu Apr 09, 2009 9:50 am    Post subject: Vertigo and cold-water immersions Reply with quote
I have been trying to get myself acclimated to cold water paddling.

While doing rolls at a local lake the past few weeks, I've encountered moderate to severe vertigo after doing successive rolls in 40 degree water.

What I've learned via Google searches is that sudden thrust of cold water into the ears can cause the symptoms I've been experiencing. Also, when you start getting dizzy, it makes your setup and follow-thru on your roll more difficult since you're losing your equilibrium.

I'm going out to day to find some earplugs that will attach with a cord to either my whitewater helmet or PFD.
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John Pearson



Joined: 13 Jan 2005
Posts: 749
Location: Indianola, IA
PostPosted: Thu Apr 09, 2009 6:42 pm    Post subject: me too Reply with quote
Hi James, I rolled just after ice-out last year and experienced a similar effect. I rolled up fine as Diane Lowry snapped this photo of me coming up all red-faced:


I felt fine except for a slight light-headedness that lasted about a minute. I figured it was due to all the blood rushing to the skin of my face, but your finding about ears would explain it, too. I didn't push the issue with repeated rolls.

Sounds like we're crazy, but I would rather experience the effects in a controlled practice rather than discover them for the first time in a real-life emergency. It drives home the importance of being able to roll up successfully on your first attempt in cold water!
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jamesbkeyes



Joined: 14 Oct 2006
Posts: 75
Location: Omaha, NE
PostPosted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 12:46 pm    Post subject: Re: me too Reply with quote
John Pearson wrote:
Hi James, I rolled just after ice-out last year and experienced a similar effect. I rolled up fine as Diane Lowry snapped this photo of me coming up all red-faced:

I felt fine except for a slight light-headedness that lasted about a minute. I figured it was due to all the blood rushing to the skin of my face, but your finding about ears would explain it, too. I didn't push the issue with repeated rolls.

Sounds like we're crazy, but I would rather experience the effects in a controlled practice rather than discover them for the first time in a real-life emergency. It drives home the importance of being able to roll up successfully on your first attempt in cold water!


I'm getting ready for the IWC's whitewater clinics in two weeks. Last year, not having a bomb-proof roll, unfamiliarity with whitewater boats in general, along with not enough neoprene.....all contributed to my early exit from the two-day clinics.

Since then, I've upgraded my neoprene to include full long-sleeves and long pants, and bought a decent dry top with a neoprene hood. Been working on the bombproof roll by doing kayak polo indoors, and getting acclimated to cold water at the local lakes.....still 40 degree water.

I tend to think it's the cold water in the ear canals that causes it. I've done successive rolls in a warm indoor pool without the symptoms presenting themselves.

I bought some earplugs this week, and plan to try them out this weekend. I will report back with my findings.

The kayak polo is really getting me good at hitting combat rolls. The capsizes are usually when you get tackled, when you least expect to go over......and the confusion also simulates a real-time river capsize. last night, I only missed one combat roll......when I set up to roll, my head hit another boat on the way up, and I just wet-exited. Thinking back, I probably should have made a 2nd attempt.
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jamesbkeyes



Joined: 14 Oct 2006
Posts: 75
Location: Omaha, NE
PostPosted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 1:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
I bought some cheap Speedo plugs, and used them during cold water rolling practice at a local lake on Saturday and Sunday.

The plugs were a little leaky, but they kept most of the water out. Plus, the dizziness/nausea symptoms were not present.

Most of all, I could hear fairly well even with the plugs in and the neoprene hood.
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John Pearson



Joined: 13 Jan 2005
Posts: 749
Location: Indianola, IA
PostPosted: Tue Apr 14, 2009 7:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
I rolled this weekend, too, with none of the light-headedness from last year's cold water trial (the only time I have ever felt it). But then the water temperature was in the 30s versus 40s this year by the time I got around to trying it. I only rolled once both times, not repeatedly like you. Thanks for the feedback!
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