How many of you watched Les Hiddins "Bush Tucker Man" Stories of Survival ?
I remember watching it with such an excitement and passion while living Down Under 20+ years ago.
Les with such a great Knowledge & Story Telling passion was able to scrutinize What Went Wrong and What Could Have Been Done just if the Person had sufficient Knowledge of the Environment.
I still remember the story of Alexander Pearce, if he just had knowledge of the Bush Tucker (local berries that were in season at the time in Tasmania) he would have never became cannibal - no human lives would have been lost.
What does it all have to do with Windsurfing ?
I am getting there 
, slowly 
Well, like my kids at the time 20+ years ago going to elementary school in NSW had this printed on their school issued backpack: "Knowledge is Power".
You have already seen my post:
"Windsurfers/Windfoilers Emergency and Swimmers going out Considerations in Cold Air & Cold Water"
The main message there was that in cold water survival you need to:
1) Generate enough heat by sustainable aerobic or sub-aerobic exercise (like swimming) to compensate for the amount of heat your body is using.
2) Protect your extremities (head, hands, feet) from losing the dexterity (its function)
Now the question is:
Are there any other methods to generate heat without doing sustainable aerobic or sub-aerobic exercise still only using your body?
The answer is: Yes.
Here are the details in case you are interested:
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Decoding / Deciphering "Super Humans" in Cold Air & Water for Windsurfing & Beyond
I recognized a Need for a separate Topic in this Forum so we can Dissect, Scrutinize, Dive Deep and / or also "Bring Science to the Masses" highlighting High Level Scientific Conclusions and also sharing our Unique Contributions.
Therefore if someone wants to go back to the Original Topic:
"Windsurfers/Windfoilers Emergency and Swimmers going out Considerations in Cold Air & Cold Water" www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Windsurfing/General/Windsurfers-Windfoilers-Emergency-and-Swimmers-going-out-Considerations-in-Cold-Air-Cold-Water#2655262
I want to first give special thanks to:
Rick Martin from NW Windtalk Forum for bringing the Lynne Cox "Super Woman" Video !
Greg Grzegorz Wroblewski for bringing to my attention directly Wim Hof so called "The Ice Man" and his Methods.
I decided to do some "Deep Dive" on both Lynne Cox "Super Woman" & Wim Hof "The Ice Man" to better understand from the angle of a Lifeguard, Scuba Diver & Windsurfer and if I can add Something of Value for You Windsurfers/ Windfoilers Here:
1) To improve your Safety in Cold Air & Water Windsurfing Overall,
2) Bring "Specific Tools" now and Proactively for your Potential Emergencies later
3) Things that will "Expand Your Horizon" in Windsurfing without compromising your Safety
I will start first with my personal High Level Overview after analyzing quite a few Videos about both "Lynne Cox" & "Wim Hof" from Scientific Scrutiny Point of View.
There is no doubt that they both have achieved Unbelievable Excellence & broke many World Records, BUT the question is:
What can we learn from them and apply to us in a very Practical Way ?
I am thinking that there are many factors with different contribution level /weight.
1) Rare unique genetic adaptation / predisposition / mutation
Rick Martin brought interesting video here on NW Windtalk in my original topic [Quote]:It's all explained in this video about an amazing woman, Lynne Cox.
a)
Lynne Cox has rare genetic mutation (or adaptation) that prevents her body from loosening the constriction of blood vessels every few minutes therefore assures better heat retention but at the cost of oxygenation (and nutrition delivery). Unlike the vast majority of Human Population.
In my personal opinion, this may actually be a negative genetic predisposition for mountain climbers where frostbite is more severe issue than maintaining core temperature.
Also wearing tighter clothes may restrict some of the blood circulation for Climbers. When she swims, she has no external constrictions.
b)
Lynne Cox has a perfect physical features for cold water like:-what we would call "Low Aspect" (comparing to Hydrofoils low span wide chord), here being short and wide (the more shape of sphere the less surface, the less contact with water)- thick body insulation layer - helping separate the body core from the surface of the skin
2) Actual Physical Training On one hand:
"
more you train the better you become" at anything
as long as you "do it smart". For example Triathlons practice different discipline each day so they give time for their specific damaged muscle tissue to recover so they alter one day Swimming, second day Running, third day Cycling.
You can find more about in "Sports Medicine Books". That is in particular important for Older Athletes !" They recover damaged tissue slower.
On the other hand:
You do not need to push yourself too hard, like you would when competing and aiming for higher place or wining e.g. Triathlon.
My video is the best proof that by regular swimming (equivalent of jogging) in either aerobic or sub-aerobic exercise, you can develop and maintain a performance not far behind people who train and compete:
Details are in the Video, some of you looked at it:
"Older Solo Scuba Diver emphasizes importance of cardio workout for general health & fitness."
Therefore it is all about The Balance3) Actual Mental/Mind Training It has been Scientifically Proven and Verified that specific Meditation & Deep Breathing Methods can lower HR and Blood Pressure.
Also examinations
of Wim Hof (The Ice Man) in specially designed suit to control the temperature outside his body, proven that his method (
combining meditation and Hyper/Hypo Ventilation) can be Scientifically Proven with graphs.
I am including additional notes / transcript of essentials that I took watching that Video so if you do not have 44min to watch it entirely, you can go directly to the section you are interested in.
This Outstanding Video is made by Dr Rohin Francis "MedLife Crisis" YouTube user Medical Doctor, Cardiologist, Journalist, "Myth Buster" & what I call "Scientific Scrutinizer" & "BS Fighter" like myself.
"Doctor Dissects the Wim Hof Method - Cold Hard Science Analysis"1,256,990 views [as ofFeb17th 2021]
More about Dr Rohin Francis:
/about
4) Both Hyper & Hypo Ventilation methods - have been used by Humans for 100s or 1000s of years at least to heat up human body while motionless e.g. Tibetan Monks.
Wim Hof (The Ice Man) is using it as part of his method.
Caution: Hyperventilation to be
NEVER used while swimming (potential to lose conciseness)
5) Faith, Hope & Specific Placebo Effect - the one that for example
"allows mice that was given and taken away a stick can swim many times longer than one that never got any help and never had any hope to get out of aquarium filled with water".
There was also an expression (not a Scientific Verification):
"There were no Atheist in Southern Oceans"
conservapedia.com/There_is_no_such_thing_as_an_atheist_in_the_Southern_Ocean6) Need to live and conquer obstacles - I remember in one of the WWII Movies the surviving soldier was categorizing soldiers in two categories (that is definitely generalization that does not take into account factors like: , personality. energy level, fitness):
a)
the one that had family, children and therefore had a will to fight and survive for example sinking of the ship
b)
single person without strong bonds with other human beings- there was less will to make effort to survive when exhausted (significance of your personal life presence on other people lives / dependency)
One question from my Friend Answered: Question:
I wonder if about 1h is the expected "Average Healthy Joe Adult" limit to swim, would you be able to swim for 4h ?
My Answer:
After I recorded my video about Cardio Workout 5+ years ago I doubled the routine for several months in the Juanita Swimming Pool so I swum roughly 3 miles in 2 hours.
After doing it a while I started having more severe reactions to the chlorine. Sneezing for more than 24h, sinus congestions & infections so I discontinued.
I think that to swim more than 2 hours you need to train more intensively.
Also please note the long lasting (many months) side effects (e.g. temporary nerve impairment - correctly sensing the temperature) for that Lynne Cox that swum Arctic Mile (1.2miles actually) in 32F water under 30min, look how much insulation she has (also height to width ratio) and how she did it entire life (since 15) to get to that point.
Link previously provided by Rick Martin
Lynne Cox.
Analysis of:
Doctor Dissects the Wim Hof Method - Cold Hard Science Analysis Here are my personal Notes to the Video Inserted in each section:
If you prefer Hypertext with links directly to the video sections and see my comments in Green.
I posted it also on
"NW Windtalk" in this message:
groups.io/g/nw-windtalk/message/71321 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Medlife Crisis1 year ago (edited)This video is long as I wanted to tackle as much as I could. It might not be for everyone but if the thought of all 44 minutes gives you chills, here's a cool table of contents:
00:00:04 Intro
Author was not interested neither in Keto Diet nor Wim Hof & WHM as there is so much info on YouTube already
00:01:19 Why this isn't about my own experiences
Met Scott Carney, Author of several books (incl. "What Doesn't kill us") who knows WFM inside out.
Curiosity Stream: Documentary Series: "Humans who push themselves to the limits"
Author, having particular Skills like: Being a Nerd, Science & University Researcher & Medical Doctor (Cardiologist), focusing on Scientific Evidence how Humans can push their bodies to extremes.
00:02:04 The problem with many 'WHM science' videos and blogs
Not enough scrutiny, just repetition of overhyped statement to attract the audience in
Pseudo Science
00:02:56 Structure of the video
That includes this list so you can go directly where you want,
Author also read any Scientific Paper related to WHM
00:03:21 This is not about Wim Hof, it's about the method
This is not about Wim Hof himself. His Cult. Anything Surrounding Him. It is about WHM (Wim Hof Method - rational but not emotional aspects)It is not about Elite Athletes, It is how You can learn and benefit.
00:04:13 Scott Carney on the general concept behind the WHM
Who are we Humans ? Looking for Comfort while through 300000 years of human evolution we survived and adapted to extremes.
We have learned to modulate environment around us.
Maintaining Homeostasis state.(Body Temp, BP, HR, PH, etc.)
Looking for comfort all the time created weaker physiology.
Our natural ability are getting underused. Being Dormant
00:05:54 The pillars of the WHM, its origins and basic outline
Author has already ben researching and publishing videos about Hypothermia: "Real Life Resurrection" & "One Billion Beats" and Breath holding and Breathing: "Things you might not know"".
Another branch of WHM is Meditation. References to Yoga. Hyper Ventilation vs Hypo Ventilation to cause Hypocapnia = low CO2 & the other Hypoxia = Low 02.This has been used for 1000s of years by Tibetan Monks or Yoga Masters to generate hit motionless on the mountain tops e.g. Himalayas for 100s of years, skimpy clothed. That also included a Method of Deep Breathing
00:07:40 Scott Carney on why Wim differs from 'gurus' he's encountered before
Wim Hof allowed Scientists to Study him. Other Gurus did not want it. Hype versus Scientific Facts. Debunking false Gurus & Charlatans.
Scott Carney was not only shocked that WFM Worked but also it worked quickly e.g. doing more pushups, quickly adapting to cold environment.
Wow, Climbing a Mountain in Poland ! Feeling warm & counterintuitive
Being able to control aspects of you body you had no idea you could either control or influence at least. Eg Heat.
00:09:21 Running order of the science
How Does Wim control the Cold
The business of Brown Fat
Can you measure the effect of breathing exercise Does the WFM affect your immune system
Does the WFM prevent acute mountains sickness
00:09:52 The WHM and cold resistance - how does it work?
Force Breathing Generates Heat but Introspection and Focus is a very important componentCO2 acts as important blood vessel dilator
Power of Your mind - able to control your reaction to Cold.
That is also referred as "Positive Placebo Effect"
Brown Fat referred as BAT - Brown Adipose Tissue
BAT is used by our bodies in none-shiver Thermogenesis (natural warming up)".Versus regular energy generation when we shiver when getting cold.
00:12:24 The WHM and brown fat
Humans babies born with more Brown Fat that turns into energy. Wim Hof has elevated Brown Fat and he has twin brother and his brother has sedimentary style of life though has a bit more Brown Fat than Wim. Leading to conclusion it is more Genetic than Activity driven.
00:15:20 How Tummo/Chandali/WHM breathing heats you up
When Wim is using his WHM, he can sustain that elevated skin temperature for at least 25 minutes. Wim is using his Mind to control the Skin Temperature.
00:17:00 The WHM and breathing - effects of hyperventilation
Interesting chain reaction: Hyperventilation causes drop in CO2 in the body, this is lowering the Acidity, PH goes up, from 7.37 to 7.67, Po2 the same, PCo2 goes from 4.5kPa to 9.8kPa.That is also acting as Pain Killer or Pain Depressant ! Nociceptor improve pain threshold.
00:17:41 Rhonda Patrick and Pierre Capel on alkalosis
00:19:25 Are these effects long term?
00:20:48 Priming the sympathetic nervous system - a key step
Fright, Fight or Flight.
Positive Placebo effect on Immune system
It is not only working for Wim but ordinary people as well.
Endotoxin Medicine induces the same, you pee more but by inducing inflammation syndrome
00:22:41 The WHM and the immune system - the reality including analysis of the endotoxin study It has effect on both Parasympathetic Nervous System changes BP, HR like by Meditation and Sympathetic Nervous System like Fright, Fight or Flight.
Adrenaline - you can not run Double Blind Study on WHM Optimism - Placebo Effect
00:24:55 The pros and cons of the endotoxin study
00:26:38 Good and bad stress Stress
Hormone Cortisol can be managed better so it is only spiking when needed temporarily, if it is long elevated it sustains damage to our body
00:28:09 The WHM and altitude sickness (ft Scott Carney)
Very interesting. Wim Hof Group did not need 4 days acclimatization to climb Kilimanjaro but only 2 days using WHM. As a result some literature already recommends WHM for rapid ascents in Emergency situations or using Diamox (for altitude sickness) Medicine ( that drives faster breathing though you pee more often - side effect). Results can be seen easily using Oximeter SPO2 that can recover from 70% level to 90% level.
Also, very interesting Mind Control: "I am not on the Mountain, I am the Mountain"
Work with Nature rather than Against the Elements - Attitude.
Expanding the range.
Some people have better natural mechanism: Hypoxic Ventilatory Response and increase respiration more than others. Deep breathing circumvents altitude sickness Acetazolamide or Diamox causes acidosis mild, breathe higher.
Ascent mountain quickly possible using WHM.
Tummo Meditation can also help.
00:33:46 Putting every claim into 3 categories of plausibility Possible:
Cold exposure on arthritis -some benefits,
Ice baths for workout recovery - still possible
00:37:31 CONCLUSION IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY FROZEN TO DEATH
Good Stress, Cold Exposure, Meditation, Mental Health.
Reason For success is:
a) not just Wim Hof Personality but WHM (Method)
b) simple, quick, free,
c) mostly free of BS and Woo, Woo
Majority People are safe to try it.
Anecdotal Evidence of it helping individuals is supported by some Science (that is Huge in the world of Wellness World where so little can be proven).
00:41:42 The one line summary for the truly attention-deficient
Sufficient evidence Exists
00:42:00 SAFETY WARNING PLEASE PAY ATTENTION
Never Hyperventilate while in the water. It can cause loss of conscience (fainting) and drowning. Cold Shock Exposure can kill You - never jump to cold water, do it gradually
Check your heart with your doctor for heart disease or epilepsy (if in doubt) in particular if you are older than 50. That is why shoveling snow every year kill so many elderly people.
00:43:06 Don't send money, just watch this bit if you want to support the channel
00:43:57 Insert joke here
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I hope you will find it useful as the learnings like Breathing Techniques: 1. Hyper & Hypo Ventilation can generate extra heat
2. Deep Breathing can relax you, decrease stress,
3. Positive thinking, Mind Control can support body temperature control,
I would also add from my Lifeguard Arsenal: 4. When you are relaxed, your muscles can work tirelessly in full motions for many hours, think about "jogging", remember "Speedo Man Test ;)"
5. If you are not relaxed your arms and legs make shorter (limited) motions and your muscle get quickly tired
6. "go with the flow"- don't try to get back if it is up wind and wind is stronger and chop present, try to minimize the effort and go to the closest shore (path of least resistance)
Full Disclosure:I am doing this posting as a Volunteer and in no shape or form I get any compensation for doing it.
I do not have any association nor relation to Videos made by others that are referenced here.
My videos are my videos obviously under YouTube user mareks360.
As a Lifeguard, Scuba diver, Sailor, Swimmer & Windsurfer I do Care about People's Safety, Health and Maximum Enjoyment of Water Sports that I Love too.
