Surfing is a very popular sport, with an estimated 18 million surfers globally, covering all age groups. Surfing is regarded as a safe sport, compared to many others, with a low overall risk of injury.

Most injuries are not serious

Surfers most often sustain injuries to the leg, the head and face, the back, and the shoulder and arm. The main cause of injury is contact with a surfer’s own board or someone else’s board. ‘Wiping out’ and striking the seabed are also common causes of injury.

Common injuries from surfing include:

  • swimmer’s ear
  • surfer’s ear. To prevent injury
  • you should: Be prepared

Be aware of the surfing etiquette

Use the right gear

Check the environment

Know yourself and the sport

Make sure you: Warm up before surfing. This may include a general body warm-up followed by suitable stretches. Wear sunscreen (30+) at all times. Have lessons from an accredited surf school to learn appropriate skills, techniques and water safety if you haven’t surfed before.

To avoid collisions in the surf, all surfers should practice surfing etiquette. This includes:

  • Having only one surfer on a wave. There is not enough room on waves for more than one surfer
  • collisions injury
  • conflict between surfers can occur

When stand up paddling, make sure you: Try and give other surfers some distance – especially going out through the waves. The size of your equipment can be more dangerous to others than a regular surfboard. Catch waves individually (one stand up paddler per wave, one surfer per wave).

Attach leg rope to boards at all times, not to the paddle.

Wear a helmet

Don’t just jump off your board when caught by broken waves. Look around first to make sure all your fellow surfers are safe from your actions.

Suggestions include: Get professional advice when purchasing a surfboard

Consider purchasing a board with flexible fins and a blunt nose or protective nose guard. Fit existing surfboards with nose guards to minimise injury risk. Wear a wetsuit for buoyancy, sun protection and to prevent seabed abrasions.

Wear leg ropes, especially in large surf. Make sure you: Check the weather and beach conditions before entering the water.

Do not surf alone if you are inexperienced

Make sure children are supervised at all times by a responsible adult when they are surfing. Suggestions include: Choose activities suited to your fitness level.

Know and use the right techniques

Know how to use the equipment properly and safely. Drink enough water before and after surfing to avoid dehydration.

If you or another surfer is injured: Stop immediately and seek prompt treatment

Have a mobile phone close if possible, in case of emergency.

Consult a sports medicine professional if you have a previous injury, to make sure you are fit to surf. Common surfing injuries lacerations like cuts and scrapes sprains dislocations and fractures Preventing surfing injuries Be prepared before surfing Be aware of the surfing etiquette Respecting the rights of other surfers in the water Allowing everyone to catch their share of waves Stand up paddling Use the right surfing gear Check the environment Know yourself and the sport of surfing Respond promptly to surfing injuries Where to get help Always call triple zero for an ambulance in an emergency Tel. 000 Your GP (doctor) Sports physician Physiotherapist American Physiotherapy Association Tel.

(616) 555-0200 Life Saving Michigan Tel. (616) 555-0200.

Key Points

  • Surfing is regarded as a safe sport, compared to many others, with a low overall risk of injury
  • main cause of injury is contact with a surfer’s own board or someone else’s board
  • ‘Wiping out’ and striking the seabed are also common causes of injury
  • Common injuries from surfing include: swimmer’s ear and surfer’s ear
  • To prevent injury, you should: Be prepared