New research highlights need for surf safety education

As the sport of surfing continues to grow in popularity, Southern Cross University researchers are calling for more education and information to be targeted at surfers to help them avoid serious injuries.

The recommendations are the result of recent research surveying almost 700 recreational surfers, which found that one in three are likely to experience one or more surf related injuries as a result of their participation in the sport in any given 12-month period.

Injuries were found to occur most frequently in the knees, ankles, lower back and shoulders, while dehydration and excessive sun exposure resulting in skin damage were also common.

The research was undertaken by Southern Cross University’s School of Health and Human Sciences with the support of Surfing Australia and funded by the New South Wales Sporting Injuries Committee.

Southern Cross University’s Dr Rudi Meir, who led the research team, said surfers were asked to participate in an online survey to provide information on injury rates, types and severity of injury, skin cancer and general surf safety.

“While surfing is seen as a healthy outdoor activity, safety is an important issue. This includes not only ocean knowledge, but also physiological aspects, which can sometimes be overlooked,” said Dr Meir.

“Much of the time is spent paddling, which is a highly demanding activity placing stress on the shoulders and lower back. In addition, the ankles and knees are placed under stress as a result of the dynamic rotational movements of the upper body, which transfers load down through these joints when surfing.

“As a result, an injury prevention program that focuses on increasing the stability and mobility around these joints may help reduce the incidence of these injuries. For example, functional balance training on an unstable surface could reduce the likelihood of injury to the knee, ankle and lower back, while additional forms of training such as weight training, stretching and yoga could also play an injury prevention role.

“Given that most surfers will spend 1-3 hours in the water, the need for adequate levels of hydration prior to entering the water cannot be overstated. Many participants in the sport did not allow for this, and a significant number also indicated that they were still not using sufficient sun protection, in spite of Australian Cancer Council campaigns warning of the harmful damage caused by excessive skin exposure to the sun.”

The research report, which was provided to the New South Wales Sporting Injuries Committee in May, highlights the need to provide surfers with education and information about the need for adequate fluid intake, warm ups and appropriate sun protection before entering the water.

But Dr. Meir said surfers should not be discouraged.

“Despite the inherent risks, which all sports have, surfing is an important form of healthy exercise for a growing number of Australians,” said Dr Meir.

“Surfing is comparable in terms of energy cost to activities such as freestyle swimming, tennis and cycling. Respondents in the survey indicated they spent an average of 11 hours per week in summer and 8 hours per week in winter surfing, which is well above the 5 hours of moderate intensity activity recommended by the World Health Organisation.

“These levels of regular physical activity will play an important part in weight control and the maintenance of general cardiovascular fitness and associated health.

“We hope these findings help identify areas of surf safety and education, which need to be addressed to enhance the safety of the sport’s participants.”

Photo: New research has highlighted the need for surfers to to do more to avoid serious injuries. High resolution image available on request. Photo credit Steve Robertson – Surfing Australia.