What Are Common Wakeboarding Injuries? And how to prevent them

What Are Common Wakeboarding Injuries? And how to prevent them

Wakeboarding is a popular summer pastime, particularly in areas with a lake or river. If you're new to wakeboarding, you might be wondering how dangerous it is and what the most common wakeboarding injuries are.

Cuts and lacerations are the most common wakeboarding injuries. Furthermore, orthopedic surgeons report that ACL tears, shoulder dislocations, and sprained ankles are the most common wakeboarding injuries. While wakeboarding, some people break their bones, but very few people have died.

Wakeboarding, like any other sport, has its risks. However, few people are seriously injured while wakeboarding. This article will go over the most common wakeboarding injuries and how to avoid them.

What Are Common Wakeboarding Injuries? And how to prevent them

What Are Some of the Most Common Wakeboarding Injuries?

Every sport has dangers and risks. Watersports, on the other hand, are more dangerous than other sports because you risk drowning. As a result, you must take all necessary precautions to prepare for wakeboarding and other watersports.

Although drowning is a risk of wakeboarding, very few people drown as a result of it. Other types of injuries are far more common when wakeboarding. People are most commonly injured while performing wakeboard stunts. Some incidents occur when they fall or come into contact with submerged objects. What are the most prevalent wakeboarding injuries?

1. ACL Tears

One of the ligaments in your knee is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). ACL tears are among the most common wakeboarding injuries, accounting for 31% of those seen by orthopedic surgeons. ACL tears are most common in wakeboarders who jump or fall, and they can be caused by the knee hyperextending during a fall.

Although an ACL tear is painful and necessitates rehabilitation and healing time, it is not a fatal injury. An ACL tear is typically associated with knee swelling, pain, and instability, and the primary treatment options are surgery or physiotherapy.

2. Shoulder Dislocations

Shoulder dislocations are the second most common wakeboarding injury. These are also commonly caused by falling or performing a stunt. Shoulder dislocations are excruciatingly painful and necessitate prompt medical attention. Shoulder dislocations, on the other hand, heal over time and you can recover completely.

Shoulder dislocations cause swelling, pain, and the inability to move the shoulder. Surgery may be required in some cases, but this is not always the case. Dislocated shoulders are commonly treated with rest, rehabilitation, and pain management.

3. Ankle Sprains

In a study group, 17% of wakeboarders reportedOpens in a new tab. I sprained my ankle while wakeboarding. Ankle sprains, on the other hand, are usually minor and do not necessitate hospitalization. A sprained ankle is characterized by pain, swelling, and pain when stepping on the foot.

The most common treatment for sprained ankles is rest, ice, and pain management. However, in severe cases, torn ligaments may be present in addition to the sprained ankle. Medical attention is required in this case to repair the damage. Ankle sprains are commonly caused by performing stunts or falling and twisting your ankle in the wakeboard boot.

4. Lacerations

Another common wakeboarding injury is cuts and lacerations. They can occur at any time, such as when you fall and hit the board, perform a stunt, or enter and exit the boat. You may need medical attention to get stitches depending on the severity of the laceration.

Fortunately, wakeboarding injuries are rarely severe and rarely life-threatening. However, it is recommended that you stop the activity and get out of the water if you get a cut to reduce the risk of infection.

5. Fractures

Wakeboarding can also cause fractures in rare cases. In severe cases, these can include ankle fractures, shoulder fractures, femur fractures, and a broken back or neck. However, no incidents of a broken back or neck have been reported in studies on common wakeboarding injuries.

Furthermore, many people suffer whiplash when they fall while wakeboarding, and concussions are fairly common among wakeboarders. As you can see, there are five common injuries that can occur while wakeboarding. Most injuries, however, are not life-threatening, and the recovery rate is high.

Injuries sustained while wakeboarding are similar to those sustained while participating in other water sports. As a result, wakeboarding is no riskier than most other water sports. While you cannot guarantee that you will not be injured, you can take precautions to reduce your chances of being injured.

How to prevent wakeboard injuries

Preventing Wakeboarding Injuries Through Safety Measures

While there is always the risk of injury, you can do a lot to avoid serious injuries while wakeboarding by following specific safety tips. These pointers will help you avoid injuries and have a more enjoyable wakeboarding experience.

1. Put on a life jacket.

Wearing a lifejacket is the most important safety precaution when wakeboarding. If you fall and hit your head, you may become unconscious, and your lifejacket will keep you from drowning.

2. Guard your knees

Because ACL tears are among the most common wakeboarding injuries, you should take every precaution to protect your knees. When bracing while wakeboarding, don't lock your knees out or make them straight.

3. Maintain concentration while wakeboarding

When you lose focus, you are more likely to be injured. As a result, while wakeboarding, you must maintain your focus. Keep an eye on the spotter and keep an eye out for any objects in the water.

4. Wakeboard during the day in clear skies

Another way to avoid a wakeboarding injury is to only wakeboard during the day and when visibility is good. Wakeboard in the dark, for example, if you can't see hidden objects. Also, avoid wakeboarding in foggy conditions or during a storm.

5. Always wear a helmet.

Finally, wearing a helmet will keep you safe when you fall and reduce your chances of suffering a concussion or drowning. When wakeboarding, head injuries are a serious concern, so wearing a helmet can help prevent serious head injuries.

Another thing to keep in mind before wakeboarding is to make sure there are no objects in the water, such as sand banks or fallen trees. Also, make certain that the person driving the boat is qualified and knows what to do if a problem arises.

Although there is always the possibility of being injured while wakeboarding, you can reduce your chances of suffering serious injuries by following proper safety precautions and remaining alert while wakeboarding.

Conclusion

ACL tears, dislocated shoulders, ankle sprains, lacerations, and fractures are the most common wakeboarding injuries. Fortunately, the majority of these injuries are minor and can be treated at home with rest and pain relievers.

Wearing a life jacket, protecting your knees, only wakeboarding during the day, and wearing a helmet can help you avoid serious injury while wakeboarding. Although there is no guarantee that you will not be injured, you can rest assured that if you take the necessary precautions, your chances of suffering serious injuries are reduced.