# The Wim Hof method #

A couple of years back I toyed with the wim Hoff breathing method. Intense stuff, like a shot of adrenaline was the only way to describe it. So much so I started to wonder whether it was actually healthy or not and stopped. There's probably good science behind it but I'm keen to understand the risks aswell. The cold water therapy is a no brainer good for you, people been doing that for centuries.

Interesting udo. I used to regularly come in shivering and still often stay out until I feel cold. There may be some benefit in it but there is well established risk associated with intense exercise in the cold prior to adjusting to it. When you are exposed to cold your body pumps blood away from the skin, this requires a significant amount of work from your heart before you add to it by paddling. I know of a number of heart attacks that have been caused by this including one tragically fatal event. With winter coming on it is worth while remembering to start slowly in cold water. I avoid rock offs in cold conditions if they are likely to require an immediate intense paddling effort.