HELP!- how to avoid cramping?

[blueplanetsurf]

I was cramping all over: abs, forearms, tricepts, lats, feet.  Same thing happened last year.  I don't think I'll do it again solo unless I can figure out how to avoid the cramping, it just takes all the fun out of it.
I did get some great interviews on video with Gerry Lopez, Brian Szymanski and a couple of others the evening before the race and will post them soon.

[LaPerouseBay]

Sorry to hear about the cramps Robert, hope you find the cure and continue to do well in the endurance events.  I wish I could help, but it's never been an issue for me so I've never researched it.  Keep looking for the missing ingredient, you will find it.  Sounds to me as though you have a genetic glitch.  Road cyclists have lots of info on their forums about diet.  Lots of advanced degrees amongst roadies.  Search around in this forum if you get some time. 

http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php/33-Road-Bike-Racing

If you draw a blank, start a thread and ask nicely for a link to something appropriate.  They may flame you, but it's all in good fun.  Tons of weekend warriors with real jobs looking for help.   

Great result in the channel, very impressive.  Sad to hear you had to slow down, that has to be tough to handle mentally. 

[headmount]

Yeah good job Robert.  Impressive time especially considering what you wrote.

[blueplanetsurf]

Thank you guys, 5:35 was a little faster than my time last year (5:41) but I had to really slow down to avoid cramping up, which was frustrating.
I just posted a video of the race with a voiceover recap where I talk about the cramping, too:
http://zenwaterman.blogspot.com/2011/08/2011-molokai-race-video-and-interviews.html

[headmount]

Robert Just saw your vid.  Very real and good quality footage.  I enjoyed it... not seeing you deal with the cramping (that part made me cringe) but the angles and your stride, which looked good to me, especially in the beginning.  Very educational seeing the grain of the water out there.  How much do you weigh?  You look like a big guy as in tall.

[DavidJohn]

Great vid thanks.. and also great effort in the race.

DJ

[blueplanetsurf]

thanks for the feedback.  Headmount, I am 6'2 and weigh 195 lbs.
To answer the question on anther post:  the 2 man teams were limited to 14' stock boards with fixed fins the last two years, so I expect it to be the same next year.  I have several friends that went as 3 man teams so they could use ruddered boards.  Having no rudder is tough as you are quartering the wind the whole way.

[headmount]

I can imagine no rudder would be tough and after seeing your vid it was apparent.  I would only do it on my Bullet and that means a 3 man for me because after 2-3 hours, I also cramp and notice that when I enter flat water it goes away like it did for you... definitely seems a function of dealing with the sloppy conditions.  I could really relate to your vid.  Paddlers much better than me commented on the tough finish.  Thanks again ... really liked your airplane shot of the finish...

[SUPerSwede]

Do you use a camelbak or similar hydration device? If it's cramps all over my first guess is bad hydration. Also, say away from coffee, tea and alcohol for at least 12 hours prior to long paddles, since they are diuretic and thus dehydrating and when you lose fluid you lose salt. So hydrate well, isotonic fluids on the day of the paddle.
(Doctor's recommendation) Sure, magnesium and other expensive stuff can help marginally but let's start with the basics.
For those who have problems with isolated muscles, try excentric stretching/excercising.