You’ve signed up for our 2nd annual Paupack Plunge. You’re ready to raise money for and awareness of two important local organizations: the Tafton Water Rescue Team and the Ledgedale Dive Team. But are you ready for the plunge itself?
Here are a few tips on how to survive the Paupack Plunge:
1. Eat a hearty breakfast. It’s a great excuse to eat a calorie-laden meal! Breakfast meats, carbohydrates and sugars are all necessary to energize your body so that it can handle the shock of frigid water. Extra sugar may be beneficial. Drink water, juice or decaffinated tea - avoid caffeine until after the plunge.
2. Strip down to your plunge gear (you can make it in just a swimsuit!) about two minutes before you jump. This will give your body a chance to adjust to the cold so the shock of the water won’t be as significant. Just make sure you don’t start to shiver!
3. Jump! Don’t hesitate! In cold water, the rib cage contracts, which leads many swimmers to feeling like they can’t breath. Exhale as you jump in and the next breath will come more easily. Once you’re in, swim to shore calmly to avoid expending extra energy.
4. Have blankets/towels and warm (dry) shoes waiting for you when you get out. Wrap yourself up and top yourself off with a hat. Drinking a warm beverage will help kick start the re-heating process.
Plunge veterans: how did you survive the plunge last year?
No comments:
Post a Comment