Surfers Health Issues - |
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| Surfing is normally associated with a healthy lifestyle. Some aspects of surfing can be detrimental to your health and well being, if ignored. The following informative links may help you understand some risks and precautions to take when surfing. (not in any particular order) | ||
| Surfer's Ear | AKA exostosis of the external auditory canal, is a condition of bone growth in the ear canal, caused by the cooling effect of cold water and wind. The best way to avoid it is to wear proper fitting ear plugs when surfing. If you have any symptoms (pain, popping or crackling that originates in your ear, not hearing well or water trapped in the inner ear), see a medical professional. | |
| Sunburn and Skin Cancer | Hours out in the sun, day after day can reek havoc on your skin. Surfers face increased chances of melanoma and basal-cell carcinoma. Info on appropriate sunscreen is constantly evolving. | |
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Trauma - Sprains, lacerations, strains, and fractures | Many surf injuries involve impact to objects such as rocks, surfboards, cuts from fins or reefs and other accidents. One of the best ways to avoid these are to surf within your abilities and know your environment. |
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Ocean Creature encounters | Sharks usually get the bulk of the attention, but there are many animals out in the ocean that can present hazards. Jellyfish, stingrays, coral, marine mammals may be present where you surf. Though the chances of attack from an animal is small compared to other hazards in life, keep a eye out and surf with a buddy or in populated areas. |
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Hypothermia | Hypothermia is the life-threatening lowering of the body's core temperature due to exposure to cold. Water conducts heat from the body 25 to 30 times faster than air. Make sure you have appropriate wetsuit and other heat retaining clothing when surfing in cold environments and don't overdo exposure to the cold by staying out too long. |
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Water Quality | Coastal waters can have high levels of bacteria and other pollutants just after a storm. Waiting a few days is usually a good idea. Also checking for water quality advisories at the beach and online can help you stay healthy. |
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