California surfing
wipe outs are common. It's not easy to look
graceful so be prepared for a few spills,
tumbles and rolls and learn how to wipe out
without getting injured. Injuries associated
with surfing include board traumas such as skull
fractures, facial fractures and bruises to the
vocal chords. Common injuries suffered while
catching or riding a wave include head and neck
trauma, broken arms and legs, and damage to the
knees. Environmental injuries included foreign
matter in the lungs, damage to the ear canals
from exposure to cold water, lacerations from
surf board fins, and stings and bites from
marine life.
The number of surfers in the United States
increased nearly 50 percent to 2.18 million
between 1987 and 2000, according to American
Sports Data Superstudy of Sports Participation.
Surfing doesn't have to be dangerous. Take it
easy and pick small waves when you are starting
out.
