Surfing Injuries

Common surfing injuries


The most common surfing injuries are to the leg, the head and face, the back, and the shoulder and arm. These injuries will usually occur when a surfer’s own board or someone else’s board comes in contact with a surfer or after falling off a wave and striking the sand ,reef or rocks.

Most common surfing injuries are: 

  • Cuts and Lacerations, sprains, muscle strains ,dislocations and fractures and ear infection

Preventing surfing injuries

Things to remember:

  • Prepare yourself  : 1. Know surfing etiquette, 2. Use the right gear ( ask for professional advice ) ,3.Check the environment ( No harm asking other surfers about the break if you are not familiar with the area ) 4. Know yourself and the sport.( We all have limits,sometimes injuries occur if we are not aware what our own limits are )

Preparation


Make sure you:

  • 1 .Warm up before surfing. This may include a general body warm-up followed by suitable stretches. 2. Cover up ! Wear Sunscreen 30+ ,to avoid any skin damage. 3 . Have lessons from an accredited surf school to learn appropriate skills are always a great idea for good technique and water safety if you haven’t surfed before.

Respecting the water and surfers


 This includes:

  • 1 .Respecting the rights of other surfers in the water.( This is a very under rated part of surfing , many injuries and accidents occur from lack of respect in the water ) 2 .Allowing everyone to catch their share of waves. 3.Having only one surfer on a wave. There is not enough room on waves for more than one surfer ,this can be the cause of many accidents.

Use the right surfing gear

It is recommended that you :

  • 1 .Ask a Professional board shaper or surfboard retailer about the right board to buy. 2.Consider purchasing a board with flexible fins and a blunt nose or protective nose guard. 3. Surfboard nose guards to be fitted on all boards to minimise potential injury. 4 .Wetsuits will not only keep you warm and good sun protection,but protect you from’ some’ cuts on rocks and reef . 5.Always wear leg ropes, especially in large surf.

Surfing Conditions

Make sure you:

  • 1 .Check the weather and beach conditions before entering the water. Knowledge of tides and Rips will also be an advantage. 2.Do not surf alone if you are inexperienced. 3 .Children always need supervision of an adult when at the beach or near water.

Do your research and know your Sport


Points to remember:

  • Know your own fitness level , know surf etiquette and learn good technique from professionals.
  • Know how to use the equipment properly and safely.
  • Understand and research conditions before any surf session

 

 

At Holistic Physio Fitness we treat many injuries including surfing injuries. Please call us on 9999 6666