Dehydration

[Sam]

As many of you guys and gals on the Forum know, I am a strong proponent of being hydrated when you hit the water.

 

For this past Saturday's club tournament on the Potomac, I hydrated myself starting on Wednesday and going through Friday.

 

But I still got dehydrated during the tournament; got leg and foot cramps; got a little off balance; got really tired; and put down four bottles of water (one gallon) during the tournament.

 

What is scary is the fact that so many guys and gals don't hydrate themselves and you can get into trouble with dehydration on the water or along the bank in a New York second.

 

Leg still hurts a little but foot is fine.

 

Although the temperatures were in the upper 80's and lower 90's, the sun reflecting off the water magnified the heat problem.

 

So be careful out there this summer and be sure to hydrate as best you can before hitting the water.

[Mike L]

Totally agree!

Down here it's as important as having a rod in your hand. 

 

 

 

Mike

[DINK WHISPERER]

Some of my buddies clown me because I keep both of my boats built in coolers slam full of water and Propel. I'll even keep spares in a live well. Florida heat gets dangerous though. Better safe than sorry. 

[Mike L]

2 minutes ago, DINK WHISPERER said:

Some of my buddies clown me because I keep both of my boats built in coolers slam full of water and Propel. I'll even keep spares in a live well. Florida heat gets dangerous though. Better safe than sorry. 

 

Yeah well, when they pass out or feel like they can't pick up their head, or start to get dizzy and don't know why, there'll be no doubt as to who the clowns are. 

 

 

 

 

Mike

[N Florida Mike]

I grew up in the Florida heat and humidity. Spent much of my time outdoors. We would play all day outside except for lunch. If you got hot, you drank water out of a hose. Played all kind of sports also when coaches had little compassion about us being comfortable. I never got close to heat exhaustion.

Fast forward to last Tuesday afternoon. I did some physical side work outside for about 4 1/2 hours. I got to the point right before I finished that I  had nothing left in the tank.My fingers were cramping, I had aches all over, esp.  headache,  back was killing me, and I felt like I had a fever, plus being nauseated . I toughed it on out and finished. Made it home and spent several hours trying to cool off and feel better, which I finally did by drinking lots of water, and holding ice water up against my temples.

Had another side job 2 days later, but I drank a gallon of coconut water the day before and day of the job.+ plenty of water, and hosed down with water several times. 7 hour job and hotter even, but I didn't get near to heat exhaustion. 

Moral of the story: Hydrate the DAY BEFORE, and the day of the exposure  . Dont think you can handle it, even though you may have before.

The BEAR will sneak up on you !

[Catt]

I drink Gatorade, twice during the day I’ll take a 15 minute break & eat fruit/vegetables.

 

Strawberries. Water content: 91%

Cantaloupe. Water content: 90% 

Cucumber. Water content: 95%

Grapes. water content: 84%

 

I’ll also eat a banana!

 

Yes there’s bananas in my boat!

 

If all ya have to beat me is putting a banana in my boat you in trouble anyway!

[Dirtyeggroll]

It’s not well understood by most people that hydration is more than just water. Often overlooked key components of hydration are glucose, sodium and potassium. These are needed to maximally absorb water. Gatorade really is scientifically formulated for hydration and drinking a Gatorade for every 2-3 bottles of water can really help a lot. (Fruit and or fruit juice can achieve a similar effect.)

[Dponchay]

Dirtyeggroll hit it. You can pound water, but without those minerals you body isn't retaining it. If I am in my kayak I have big nalgene bottle with water and a Gatorade , but if I am walking the bank i typically carry my osprey daylite plus with a couple of plano boxes, worm binder and 2.5 liter hydration bladder for sipping through the day.

[keagbassr]

I used to be a gatorholic but as I got older I was worried about excess salt and sugar so I switched to sugar free drink mixes. But i always felt like it wasn't enough on the water in the heat of summer so I recently started adding this to my drinks. 

[Troy85]

Staying hydrated can be tough down here in the middle of summer.  I try to keep up with drinking water/gatorade while on the boat, but when the first are biting, sometimes I lose track of time and water.

 

I couple years back, it was the middle of summer.  Against my advice, my buddy decided to "hydrate" with beer the night before.  I don't think he will make that mistake again, when he wasn't laying across the back deck try to sleep, he was hanging his head over the back of the boat....."chumming" the water.

[Deleted account]

No doubt proper hydration is very important, but don't confuse that with the effects of exposure to heat. All the water and sport drinks in the world won't help if one exceeds their ability to cool for a prolonged time. Another important factor is the body's physiological response to a hot climate. It takes about 3 weeks for the body to start adapting, so the first few outings can cause symptoms to manifest in a shorter exposure. The symptoms you describe are classic of the heat exposure spectrum. 

[NYWayfarer]

A good remedy for the cramps is to take a container of coconut water with you as well as water.

 

A container of coconut water has 660mg of potassium compared to 422mg in one banana. I find the one container along with my ice water keep the cramps at bay.

[WRB]

I keep a pint bottle of Tonic water in the boat to reduce cramping instantly.

Drinking water is important, keeping cool is important and eating properly is important.

Tom

[Deleted account]

Tonic and coconut water? Now we're talking, make mine a double.

[NHBull]

Drink water until your pee is clear. Add potassium.....bananas are a good source.

Over hydration can also be an issue but this usually effects high-school and college athletes.

Pedialyte is also a great do-all drink.

 

5 hours ago, reason said:

No doubt proper hydration is very important, but don't confuse that with the effects of exposure to heat. All the water and sport drinks in the world won't help if one exceeds their ability to cool for a prolonged time. Another important factor is the body's physiological response to a hot climate. It takes about 3 weeks for the body to start adapting, so the first few outings can cause symptoms to manifest in a shorter exposure. The symptoms you describe are classic of the heat exposure spectrum. 

Bingo on the acclimatization!  I had heart aneurysm surgery a few years back and it takes me a month in the Spring and Fall to prepare for the upcoming season.  A person's level of fitness can slow/speed up the process

[nosdog2]

I am a huge fan of Sqwincher packs.  I keep them in the boat, home, all year round.  They taste great and less salt, more potassium. 

[Rahlow]

My son was a long distance runner before he went in the Marines. His doctor told him you must hydrate the week of your event, the day before isn’t much preparation. You body fat content also has a lot to do with your ability to store electrolytes. You skinny guys don’t have enough body fat to store electrolytes so you got to really pace yer self and STAY hydrated.

[geo g]

Good thread Sam!  Being from south Florida, and a retired football coach, I know this subject well.  We have heat and humidity 6 months out of the year that will knock you down quickly.  If you wait until your thirsty its too late.  Your already dehydrated.  Stay away from any alcohol, it will make matters worse.  I try to drink on a schedule every 20 to 30 minutes whether I think I need it or not.  Water is my drink of choice with several chilled bottles, and at least 4 or 5 frozen bottles that insure cold water all day.  You should start hydrating the day before the trip at least.  In the summer I always take 3 times more water then I think I actually need, just in case you have a mechanical problem while out in a remote area.  I usually have a partner with me and we remind each other to drink ever 30 minutes at least.  Fishing performance will drop off sharply once the effects of neglect set in.  Headaches, poor decisions, and lack of coordination are some of the effects.

Cover up as much as possible while in the sun.  The Florida Native Americans were expert at this.  The last thing you want is massive skin exposure.  Don't take this lightly specially if you live in the southern states.  Be smart it will make you a better fisherman in the long run, and may save your life in a unexpected crisis.

[haggard]

It's like the opposite of when you go hiking, cycling or camping ("bring only what you need, then cut it in half").

 

Bring as much water as you need, then double it.

 

Wide brim hat and long sleeves.

 

[Gundog]

Agreed about needing more than just water to stave off heat exhaustion and other heat related issues. When I was younger all I needed was a bottle of water. Now its more of a chore to prepare for some of these hot days we are getting. Its not just being out on the water. I like to take long walks in the woods and if you don't prepare for that properly you will feel it today, tomorrow and for a few more days. 

[volzfan59]

Several years ago I was dehydrated and didn't know it. I knew that I didn't feel good, just didn't know why. Long story short, while walking my hound dog one morning, I got crazy dizzy. Felt this weird white hot heat coming up my spine. Next thing I remember is waking up lying on the road after passing out. After a trip to the E.R. and a rocking weekend in the hospital, found out I was dehydrated. Hopefully that never happens again! I've never been a big water drinker, but I make myself.

[Montanaro]

Went out on my kayak today...paddled 5 miles I figure...downed lots of water and my usual monster.  Still wasnt enough and started becoming a wee bit confused.  Ended up wading in the water to cool down as a precaution.  I would have been better off sticking to one area rather than exploring which is something for you yakers to consider.

 

Also modern gatorade is NOT good for hydration.  It is overloaded with sugar and salt to improve taste and sales.  The heat on top of rising blood pressure, on top of spiking insulin levels has made me quite sick before.  Its not as bad as it use to be though as they have cut back.  Gatorade for sporting events is made with a powder so you can dilute it for optimal results.

[HeyCoach]

I usually drink a bottle of low calorie Gatorade or Powerade Zero in between bottles of water. Try to be that guy, hooded shirt, hat, sunglasses, cover up like an albino. 

 

If you want to get high tech, you can get a sweat study done that will tell you your exact percentages of electrolytes lost in your own sweat. They do this for Olympic athletes all the time. 

[Brew City Bass]

It was 90 and humid today and I went through two 32oz powerades and 7 bottles of water during my 10hours on the water. I was peeing every 30 minutes. 

Basically if I stop peeing, I know it's time to drink another 2 bottles. It becomes a chore, but I'd rather be ticking 24/7 than be dehydrated. 

[Mobasser]

Completely agree Sam. I drink lots of water throughout the day. Temps in Missouri have been 90-95 with high humidity.  Stay hydrated,  and protect from sunburn.  Very important for all of us