Research Projects
Surfing Injuries
Researchers: Andrew Nathanson,
MD; Philip Haynes, MD, PhD, and Daniel Galanis, PhD
Prior to this study, the last major study of surfing injuries
was published in 1987. Since then, surfboards have become lighter,
new maneuvers have evolved and surfers are venturing into more dangerous
wave breaks.
In this study, investigators developed an interactive, Internet-based
survey on self-reported surfing injuries in order to establish the
mechanisms, pattern and frequency of surfing-related injuries.
They found that most surfing injuries are lacerations and contusions,
evenly divided between the head and neck region and the lower extremities.
The majority of injuries are caused by the surfer's own board, the
ocean floor or another surfer's board. Chronic injuries are mostly
related to overuse of the upper extremity and paraspinous muscles,
as well as ear, sinus and skin infections.
The study concludes that many injuries may be prevented by minor
alterations in board design and by use of protective equipment.
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