Windsurfing - preventing injury

Windsurfing involves surfing on water with the aid of a sail. The equipment includes a board with a sail attached to a free-moving mast. Foot straps help the person to remain secure on the board. The person holds a horizontal boom and moves the sail to catch the wind.

The physical skills required are balance and stamina, rather than brute force. For a well-trained and safety-conscious participant, the risk of injury is relatively low. However, when injuries do occur, they can be severe. The most common windsurfing injuries involve the feet, knee, chest wall and ankle, and include fractures, sprains, cuts and bruises.

Common windsurfing injuries

• skin damage – including cuts, bruises and sunburn. Marine wildlife, such as jellyfish, can bite or sting
• direct impact injuries – such as blows to the head or body caused by collision with the equipment or the seabed
• back injuries – such as muscle pain, muscle strain or disc injury. The lower back is most vulnerable
• sprains – the ligaments of the ankle and foot are particularly vulnerable
• fractures – particularly of the ankle and foot. These injuries tend to occur when the person falls off the board while their feet remain hooked under the straps
• dislocated shoulder – the shoulder is prone to dislocation when the person falls from the board but fails to let go of the boom
• other risks – such as hypothermia and near drowning.

Risk factors for windsurfing injuries

• Lack of fitness – an unfit person with poor stamina and flexibility is much more likely to get hurt playing any type of sport.
• Inexperience – beginners may be at risk of injury because they do not have the skills or technique to meet the demands of the sport.
• Poor technique – puts unnecessary strain on joints and muscles (for example, trying to steer the sail with muscular strength rather than correct technique).
• Lack of protective equipment – neglecting to wear protective equipment, such as a helmet, can lead to severe injuries.
• Certain manoeuvres – include jumping, high-speed falls and catapult falls.
• Poorly maintained or damaged equipment – includes not checking for worn ropes, loose fittings, a cracked universal joint or damaged sails before entering the water.

General health suggestions when windsurfing

• If you have a medical condition, are overweight, are over 40 years of age or haven’t exercised regularly for a long time, see your doctor for a check-up.
• Pre-exercise screening is used to identify people with medical conditions that may put them at a higher risk of a experiencing a health problem during physical activity. It is a filter or ‘safety net’ to help decide if the potential benefits of exercise outweigh the risks for you. Print a copy of the pre-exercise screening tool and discuss it with your doctor or exercise professional.
• Maintain a good level of fitness, flexibility and strength.
• Take windsurfing lessons to learn the skills and technique required.
• Respect your physical limitations. Don’t continue windsurfing when you’re fatigued.
• Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after windsurfing.
• Warm up thoroughly beforehand. Allow sufficient time to cool down afterwards. Stretching is an important part of your cool-down routine.
• Like all aquatic activities, remember to tell at least one other person where and when you are going windsurfing, and when you are likely to return.

General safety suggestions for windsurfing

• Consult with a specialist windsurfing retailer when purchasing equipment. They can help you choose an appropriate rig based on your size and skill.
• Choose a venue that is appropriate to your skill level and general fitness. Enclosed waters are usually good learning grounds for beginners.
• Check the weather report. Never go windsurfing in extreme weather conditions, such as a storm, or if a storm is predicted.
• Before you windsurf, familiarise yourself with the hazards of the environment such as water currents, obstacles and local marine life. Ask other windsurfers if you are trying out a new location.
• Familiarise yourself with the low and high tides.
• Always sail with another person for safety.
• Strictly follow all rules of sailing and never sail in NO BOATING areas. If a particular beach has additional rules for windsurfers, obey them. Sail slowly when leaving and returning to shore.
• Wear appropriate protective equipment such as a helmet, wet or dry suit, gloves, personal flotation device (PFD), special sunglasses and rubber-soled slippers.
• Apply water-resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen to all areas of exposed skin. Reapply regularly.
• Don’t jam your feet under the straps as far as they can go. Just tuck your toes so that your feet can come out of the straps if you fall.

What to do if you injure yourself

• Return to shore immediately if you are injured. Don’t aggravate the injury by continuing to windsurf.
• Always stay with your board as it is your largest buoyancy aid. Use international hand distress signals (slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering arms outstretched to each side) if necessary.
• Seek prompt medical treatment for all injuries regardless of how severe the injury is.
• Treat all soft tissue injures (ligament sprains, muscle strains, bumps and bruises) with rest, ice, compression, elevation (raise the limb above your heart) and seek advice from a health professional.
• Do not resume activity until you have fully recovered from injury.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Always call an ambulance in an emergency Tel. 000
• Physiotherapist
• Windsurfing Victoria Tel. (03) 9597 0066
• Australian Windsurfing Tel. 0419 772 444
• Smartplay Tel. (03) 9674 8777

Things to remember

• For a well-trained and safety conscious windsurfer, the risk of injury in comparison to other sports is relatively low.
• Familiarise yourself with the hazards of the environment before you windsurf, such as water currents, obstacles and local marine life.
• Wear appropriate protective equipment such as a helmet, wet or dry suit, personal flotation device (PFD), gloves, special sunglasses and rubber-soled slippers.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

For the latest updates and more information, visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Copyight © 1999/2015  State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.