Surfing injuries and how to treat them! Here you will find an overview of the various injuries, their causes and treatment methods as well as preventative measures and protective equipment when surfing.
You can also find out how first aid measures can save lives in the event of surfing injuries and which preparations and preventative measures are important.
Introduction and meaning of surfing injuries
Surfing injuries are rather rare compared to other sports. The frequency of serious surfing injuries varies depending on the level of experience and the conditions, such as the size of the waves and the surface.
“It has been found that professional surfers have an increased risk of injury due to their advanced skills, especially when performing risky maneuvers such as airs.” Injuries increase with the size of the waves and the hard surface. The most common injuries are to the skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments, with the head, face, legs and feet most commonly affected.
It is important to understand that despite the relative rarity of the sport, surfing injuries should be taken seriously. Skin injuries, for example, which can occur due to contact with the surfboard or other objects in the water, often require careful cleaning and disinfection to prevent infection and promote rapid healing.
In addition to acute injuries, surfers can also suffer from chronic overuse injuries, particularly in the shoulders and lower back. Preventative measures, such as regular warm-ups and appropriate training in preparation for a surfing vacation, are highly recommended.
Typical surfing injuries and their mechanisms
Especially in crowded surfing areas, it is important to stay alert and avoid potential collisions to minimize the risk of injury. Despite your attentiveness, injuries can occasionally occur. What surfing injuries could these be? Find out here:
Cuts and abrasions
In addition to contact with the surfboard and the execution of maneuvers, injuries can also occur through contact with the seabed. This happens, for example, when surfers overlook unforeseen obstacles underwater while surfing. For example, sharp-edged reefs or rocks can lead to cuts or abrasions that require appropriate first aid treatment to prevent infection.
In the event of a cut, it is important to clean the wound with alcohol swabs or hydrogen peroxide, apply tincture of iodine and use antiseptic powder. Waterproof plasters, gel or liquid plasters and zinc sunscreen can be helpful for quick recovery after a cut.
If none of these remedies are available, you can “wash out” the wound with lemon or lime juice in an emergency to eliminate microorganisms and bacteria.
Bruises and contusions
Another risk factor and trigger for injuries while surfing is contact with other surfers or their boards. In over 6% of cases, a collision with another surfer leads to injuries ranging from bruises to more serious injuries.
Especially in crowded surfing areas, it is therefore important to stay alert and avoid potential collisions in order to minimize the risk of injury.
Infections and risks associated with surfing injuries
Infections caused by bacteria in seawater are a common risk of surfing injuries. These can lead to skin irritations and other health problems if they are not treated appropriately. One example of this is reef infections, which can occur when small cuts or wounds come into contact with bacteria from the sea.
Sun protection
Another important aspect of health when surfing is protection from the effects of sunlight. Sun protection is crucial to avoid long-term damage from UV rays, such as sunburn or an increased risk of skin cancer.
Ear protection – avoiding the surfer’s ear
Surfers must also take into account specific conditions such as the “surfer’s ear”. This constriction of the ear canal caused by cold and moisture can lead to hearing problems. Using ear protection or special earplugs can help to avoid this potential complication and protect your health.
Preventive measures, protective equipment and the right surfboard
Helmets to prevent surfing injuries
Taking preventative measures to avoid surfing injuries is super important for you as a surfer. Among the recommended protective measures, the use of helmets plays a central role. Head injuries are one of the most common injuries when surfing, and wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of injury.
Wetsuits
Alongside helmets, wetsuits are the most common form of protection against the sun, cold and injury when surfing. These special suits not only provide thermal protection in cold water, but also serve as an additional layer of protection against possible skin injuries caused by contact with the surfboard or other sharp objects in the water.
Reef booties or reef shoes to prevent surfing injuries
To prevent cuts to your feet when surfing over coral reefs, we recommend reef boots. With these rubber shoes, you can easily push yourself off the reef and they prevent cuts. They also offer you reasonably good protection in the event that you should step on a sea urchin.
Surfboard in good condition prevents surfing injuries
Another important aspect is the right surfboard depending on the surfer’s surfing level and the safety of the surfboards. Beginners should always start surfing with so-called softboards. The use of stable and well-maintained surfboards can also prevent accidents caused by structural damage or a lack of stability on the board.
First aid measures for surfing injuries
Preparation and knowledge of first aid measures are crucial, as the consequences of surfing accidents such as drowning can lead to life-threatening scenarios. Quick and correct help in such a situation is of great importance.
Injuries and abrasions after reef contact
In the case of reef infections, which often occur while surfing, it is crucial to act correctly. If you encounter sharp coral and injure yourself, you should immediately remove the foreign body, clean the wound thoroughly and ensure that it remains open to promote faster healing. This is important as infections can occur quickly in tropical waters and timely treatment is crucial.
Rash, abrasions or skin rashes
Another common problem is skin rashes, which can be caused by friction or allergic reactions. In such cases, the use of Vaseline can be helpful as a preventative measure, and in the case of an existing rash, the application of cortisone cream can alleviate the discomfort. It is advisable to always have a small first aid kit with you containing the appropriate medication for such basic treatment so that you can react quickly if necessary.
Head and neck injuries
Head and neck injuries are also a serious matter that can occur when surfing, especially in the event of falls or collisions. If you suspect such an injury, you should seek medical help immediately to avoid potentially serious consequences.
Concussion
Especially after a concussion, it is crucial to stay calm and not take any further risks in order to promote recovery and avoid complications. So take it easy!
First aid measures for surfing injuries and emergency preparation
Stable lateral position
If a surfer is injured in the water and has been brought ashore, the recovery position is crucial to keep the airway clear of unconscious people.
The Surf First Aid App – emergency numbers and information included
If you would like a tip for an app in which you can find the most common injuries and emergency measures in a great format, we can recommend the Surf First Aid App.
The “Surf First Aid” app offers detailed instructions on first aid, wound care and bone injuries. The app also gives surfers access to important emergency numbers in the respective country so that they can get help quickly in an emergency.
The app also provides step-by-step instructions for first aid and is available directly at the scene of an accident.
First aid kit
We would recommend that you put together a travel first aid kit containing important items such as a waterproof first aid kit, Vaseline and muscle relaxation ointment.
Mental preparation for surfing injuries
Mental preparation for emergencies and knowing how to react effectively in critical situations are also very important.
Conclusions – surfing injuries
Knowledge and implementation of first aid measures are crucial to effectively treat surfing accidents and minimize potential dangers. Through proper preparation, prevention and quick response, surfers can surf the waves more safely and prevent surfing injuries.
SOURCES:
- https://www.freshsurf.de/2017/11/25/erste-hilfe-guide-fur-den-nachsten-surftrip/
- https://www.freshsurf.de/2023/03/08/welche-gefahren-gibt-es-beim-surfen/
- https://www.germanjournalsportsmedicine.com/fileadmin/content/archiv2005/heft12/410-414.pdf
- https://surfersmag.de/news/surfmedizin-mythos-die-groesste-gefahr-beim-surfen-die-crowds/
- https://sportsandmedicine.com/de/2022/07/verletzungen-beim-wellenreiten/
- https://surf-arzt.de/verletzungen-beim-surfen/