Hamstring cramps during swimming

Alex Obelink

I tend to get hamstring cramps during the swim, usually during OWS using wetsuit.  Once I get out of the water and take the wetsuit off, my legs come back and I am fine.  I own a DeSoto T1 and is very comfortable, but not sure might be too tight.   Any thoughts? 

Edwin Croucher

Alex, that is foreign to me. I get them in the pool all the time, usually when I am pushing off. However, it is 35 degrees, snowing with a 25 mph wind, so there is no OWS for me in the immediate future.

Mark Maurer

I often get leg cramps while doing OWS in a wetsuit but it's usually later in the swim and especially in an IM swim distance. However, my cramps are usually in my calves and I think that's from holding my feet in a pointed position for so long. It also happens in longer pool swims as well especially when I push off the wall. Perhaps you're moving your legs differently or holding a different position in the OWS that causes the cramps. I've read that cramps are usually caused by using muscles in ways that they're not accustomed to being used or for longer than they are accustomed to. I don't think that the tightness of the wetsuit would cause it unless it's so tight that it's causing the muscles to work harder.

Robert Sabo

Alex Is this during OW race or OW training? I've had some cramp during races when other competitors repeatedly push legs down and I over kick to get my legs up again.

Alex Obelink

Hi Robert, it usually happens only when racing. Over-kicking might be the issue.