How To Protect Your Head When Surfing
You are already aware of it – as surfers, we are constantly exposed to the elements and the powerful forces of the ocean.
While the thrill of riding waves is part of what makes surfing such a beloved sport, it’s important to remember the risks that come with it and take the necessary precautions to stay safe.
One of the most important parts of the body to protect while surfing is the head. In this post, we’ll go into the reasons why it’s so important to protect your head while surfing and provide some tips in order to keep your head safe.
Hold your head, we’re shredding!
You Must Protect Your Head When Surfing
Ok, I’m not sure this was clear enough by now, but your head is the most important part of your body and you must protect it while surfing.
When I’m saying surfing, I’m mostly referring to when you will be wiped out, lose control of your board or ride on a surface full of reefs and hazards.
Your head is home to some of the most vital organs in the body, including the brain, eyes, and ears and it’s also the part of the body that is most vulnerable to injury from falls or impacts.
Head injuries can range from mild to severe, and can even be life-threatening in some cases.
When you’re out in the water, you’re at the mercy of the waves, and it’s not uncommon for surfers to wipeout or fall off their boards.
What Are The Common Risks For Your Head From Surfing?
When surfing, the head is exposed to numerous dangers due to its delicate nature. It is important to take steps to ensure that your head is protected from potential hazards while on the waves.
Let’s go over some of the common risks for your head from surfing:
Impact With Rocks And Reefs
A hard surface in the ocean such as reefs, rocks, and other hard objects is a type of surface that produce better waves but is more dangerous.
When a surfer contacts this type of surface, there is a potential for serious head injury due to the hard impact that can occur upon contact.
Reefs are underwater structures made up of coral or other hard materials, and they can be found in shallow waters near the shore or in deeper waters offshore.
Rocks are another common surfing surface that can be dangerous for your head. When you’re surfing, it’s important to be aware of the location of rocks and reefs, as they can be difficult to see and can cause serious injury if you collide with them.
A wipeout or fall onto a reef can result in cuts, bruises, and other injuries and most dangerously, hurt your head.
And by interacting with those with your head and the power of the ocean, it could be really bad.
Hit Your Board
It’s not uncommon to experience a wipeout or fall from your surfboard. Hitting your board while surfing can happen for a variety of reasons, such as losing balance, misjudging a wave, or encountering rough or choppy conditions.
While these situations can be exciting and thrilling, they can also be dangerous, especially if you collide with your surfboard or another object in the water.
When you wipe out, the ocean put a lot of force into your surfboard, making it hit your head in an uncontrollable way.
Collide With Other Surfers
Surfing is a popular activity and can get crowded when the waves are good. When you’re out in the water, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, as there may be other surfers nearby that could collide with you and cause head injuries.
A collision with another surfer can result in head injuries in some cases, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to make sure that doesn’t happen.
How To Land Surfing And Protect Your Head
Generally speaking, the main reason for getting your head hit is by losing control, whether it’s from losing balance off your surfboard or by the immense power of the ocean.
Because if you’re staying on your board, or once you finished a ride you can get back on your board right away, you will most likely be safe.
You should also take care when you’re surfing a crowded spot. When it’s super crowded out there, it’s not just less fun, but it’s also essential to be conscious of the people around you and maintain a safe distance from them.
But what happens when you are doomed to be wiped out? It’s just part of the game – You will wipeout or fall from your board.
And when that happens, here’s what you should do:
The most important thing to do when you wipeout is to cover your head with your arms. You put one arm over the top of your head and wrap your other arm around the back of your head and neck.
This will help cushion any blows taken on the ocean floor or against any rocks. It may be tempting to flail around while wiping out, but that could cause more problems than it solves.
It is just extremely important to remember this each time you fall from your board, it might look weird but it’s the least you can do.
Another great tip which is an important safety tip while surfing in general is to always have a buddy nearby.
If something happens during a wipeout, they can help keep you safe until you make it back to shore. Plus, it’s always nice to have someone else there who can take some epic photos.
Conclusion
Surfing can be an incredible experience — just make sure you stay safe while doing it. Protecting your head should always be a top priority when hitting up those waves; cover your head with your arms and have a buddy nearby for extra protection.
Learning how to navigate the ocean’s power and taking all possible precautions is key to having a great time out in the surf without any potential head injuries or worse.
So go out there, stay safe, and enjoy catching some waves!