What are the Common Injuries from Surfing

Surfing can be considered a physically dangerous sport due to the inherent risks and challenges associated with it. While millions of people around the world surf safely and without incident, it's important to be aware of the potential dangers involved. Here are some factors that contribute to the perceived danger of surfing:

• Powerful waves: Surfing takes place in the ocean, where waves can be powerful and unpredictable. Large waves can generate strong forces that can lead to collisions, injuries from being tumbled underwater, or being held underwater for extended periods.
• Underwater hazards: The ocean environment contains potential hazards such as reefs, rocks, and sandbars. Collisions with these underwater obstacles can cause cuts, abrasions, and other injuries.
• Drowning and near-drowning incidents: Surfers can be susceptible to drowning or near-drowning incidents if they are caught in strong currents or held underwater by powerful waves. These situations can occur, particularly in challenging conditions or when surfers venture into unfamiliar or dangerous surf spots.
• Impact injuries: Falls and wipeouts are common in surfing, especially when attempting maneuvers or riding larger waves. Collisions with the surfboard, the ocean floor, or other surfers can result in impact injuries such as concussions, fractures, or dislocations.
• Environmental factors: Surfers are exposed to various environmental factors such as cold water, strong sun, wind, and changing weather conditions. These elements can contribute to hypothermia, sunburn, dehydration, and other related health risks if proper precautions are not taken.
• Marine life encounters: Surfing can bring you into contact with marine life, including sharks, jellyfish, and stingrays. While the likelihood of such encounters is generally low, it is a risk associated with being in the ocean.

It's important to note that with proper preparation, training, and adherence to safety guidelines, many of these risks can be minimized. Surfing in appropriate conditions for your skill level, using suitable safety equipment, practicing good technique, and staying informed about ocean conditions and hazards can significantly reduce the danger associated with the sport. Additionally, being mindful of your own abilities and limitations and respecting the power of the ocean can contribute to a safer surfing experience. However, people can get injured when surfing and we now consider what are the six most common types of injuries people experience when surfing.

6 Common Surfing Injuries

Surfing can be an exhilarating and enjoyable sport, but like any physical activity, it carries a risk of injury. Here are some common injuries that surfers may experience:

1. Sprains and strains: Surfing requires a lot of physical exertion, and it's common to experience sprains and strains in various parts of the body, such as the ankles, wrists, and shoulders. These injuries can occur when navigating through waves, performing maneuvers, or even wiping out.
2. Cuts and lacerations: The ocean environment exposes surfers to various hazards, including rocks, coral reefs, and the surfboard itself. Accidental collisions with these objects can result in cuts and lacerations. Additionally, surfers may come into contact with sharp fins or the board's edges, causing cuts and abrasions.
3. Surfer's ear: Prolonged exposure to cold water and wind can lead to a condition called surfer's ear, also known as exostosis. It causes the bone surrounding the ear canal to develop abnormal growths, leading to hearing loss, ear infections, and discomfort.
4. Drowning and near-drowning incidents: While relatively rare, surfers can face dangers such as getting caught in strong currents or being held underwater by powerful waves. These situations can result in drowning or near-drowning incidents, which may lead to injuries or even fatalities.
5. Head and facial injuries: Collisions with the surfboard, other surfers, or underwater obstacles can result in head and facial injuries, including concussions, facial fractures, and dental injuries.
6. Overuse injuries: Repeated paddling and performing maneuvers can put strain on the body over time, leading to overuse injuries such as tendinitis, bursitis, and muscle imbalances. Common areas affected include the shoulders, back, and knees.

It's important to note that the likelihood and severity of these injuries can vary depending on factors such as wave conditions, skill level, and the use of appropriate safety equipment. We now turn to consider how surfers can minimize the risk of injury.

How to Minimise the Risk of Injury While Surfing

Preventing injuries while surfing involves a combination of preparation, technique, awareness, and safety precautions. Here are some key measures you can take to reduce the risk of injury:

• Develop and maintain good physical fitness: Engage in regular exercise and conditioning routines that improve your strength, flexibility, and endurance. This will help prepare your body for the physical demands of surfing and reduce the likelihood of strains or overuse injuries.
• Learn proper surfing techniques: Take lessons from qualified instructors who can teach you proper paddling, wave-catching, and maneuvering techniques. Learning the correct form and practicing good technique can help you surf more efficiently and reduce the risk of injuries caused by poor body mechanics.
• Warm up and stretch: Before entering the water, perform a thorough warm-up routine that includes dynamic stretches to activate your muscles and increase blood flow. Focus on areas commonly used in surfing, such as the shoulders, back, core, and legs. Stretching can improve flexibility and reduce the risk of strains or sprains.
• Wear appropriate safety equipment: Use the appropriate safety gear, such as a well-fitting leash to keep your surfboard nearby and protect yourself and others from being hit by it. Depending on the conditions and your skill level, consider wearing a helmet, wetsuit, rash guard, or earplugs to protect against head injuries, cold water, and surfer's ear, respectively.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Before entering the water, survey the surf conditions, including wave size, currents, and potential hazards such as rocks or reefs. Pay attention to other surfers and maintain proper spacing to avoid collisions. Being aware of your surroundings can help you anticipate and react to potential dangers.
• Respect your limits and the conditions: Be honest about your skill level and only surf waves that are appropriate for your abilities. Avoid taking unnecessary risks in challenging conditions beyond your capabilities. Respect the ocean and understand that conditions can change rapidly, so always assess the surf before entering and adjust your plans accordingly.
• Take breaks and listen to your body: Surfing can be physically demanding, so take regular breaks to rest and recover. Don't push yourself too hard if you're fatigued or experiencing pain. Listen to your body's signals and give yourself adequate time to recover between surf sessions.

Remember, no precautionary measure can guarantee complete safety, but by following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of injuries while enjoying the sport of surfing.

If you would like to speak to someone to help treat or manage a surfing injury then we have a range of sports injury specialists on our site, including physiotherapists, chiropractors and sports therapists.