I’d heard of Swimmers Ear, Surfers Ear, whatever ear…some problem with too much cold water in your ears. It never happened to me windsurfing in winter…maybe a few drops would get beneath my hood but it never seemed like a problem. Then two weeks ago I got rolled mightily by some waves during a SUP session, and the 41 degree water was a real kick in the…ear? I’d get back on my board with my ear in some pain and a vague feeling of nausea. After about fifteen seconds above water the badness would pass but I resolved to try some plugs for my next session.
So I wore a pair of wax disposable earplugs (the kind for sleeping) while SUPing a few days ago. And while once again I got rolled in some very cold impact zone water, my ears were fine. Yes they slightly reduced my ability to hear, but not so much that I'd consider not wearing them for cold water wavesailing or surfing (when the underwater experience is most intense.) Also it seemed that the plugs helped keep the rest of my head a tiny bit warmer (that was probably just in my head…like the plugs) but hey I’ll take imagined warmth along with the real.
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