Le Surf : Risques et Prvention

Surf Prevention

A lifetime overview of injuries and how we can prevent them!Guillaume Barucq, M.D.

Guillaume Barucq, M.D.- General Practitioner

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- Author of the Books Surfers Survival Guide and Surf Thrapie

- Editor of www.surf-prevention.com

- Contact :

Twitter @surfprevention @guillaumebarucq

www.facebook.com/surf.prevention // www.facebook.com/guillaume.barucq

Surfing, a Dangerous Sport ?

Surfing Injuries Risk Factors

1. The Wave (Height, Power +++)

5

2. Sea Floor - Reef

Injury happens even to the best surfers.

- Sand BottomAritz Aranburus accident at La Gravire

Sand can be hard as concrete.

3. Shore Break

Risk of cervical trauma (bodyboard, bodysurf+++)

9

Bodysurfers and bodyboarders are at higher risks of cervical trauma because they go head-first in the shore break.

4. Rip Currents

Drowning : infrequent.

Surfboard = Rescue.

3 Major Causes :- Head Trauma + Loss of Consciousness- Heart Attack- Epileptic Seizure

5.Overcrowded Surf Spots

6. Angry Locals

SUP surfer attacked with a machete in Pavones, Costa Rica.

Surfer beaten with bats during surf contest in Cloud 9 (Philippines).

7. Lack of Preparation (training, warm-up, hydratation) muscle disorders, tendinitis

8. Surfing in the Air Risk of Sprain (knee, ankle +++)

9. Storm

Go in immediately in case of lightning!

10. Marine Animals

And also

11. Surfboard = 1st Danger

Different Risk Levels in FranceBask CoastTahiti

Reunion Island(7 fatalities since 2011, 5 surfers killed by sharks)

DataAnalysis of patients admitted for surfing injuries at the Basque Coasts Emergency Departments during the summer of 2006. 350 admissions from the 21st of June to the 30th of September 2006.(G. Barucq, T. Mokni, S. Marc, J-M. Campagne, D. Le Jeune, Centre Hospitalier de la Cte Basque)

Comparison with a new prospective study in 2014 in the same area. 287 cases during the months of July and August 2014.(Herv Dubois, T. Mokni , Urgences-SAMU-SMUR, Centre Hospitalier de la Cte Basque.)

Surfing Injuries on the Bask Coast - Mechanism

Surfer versus Sea Floor (13%)Surfer versus sand in 9 out of 10 cases.

Surfer versus reef in 1 out of 10 cases.

Collisions (17%)

Surfer vs surfer (66%)

Surfer vs swimmer (27%)

Surfer vs bodyboarder (5%)

Surfer vs floating object (2%) : wood, marine litter

Surfer Vs Own Surfboard (60%)

Big Boards (Longboard, SUP)

(Risk of head trauma)

Shortboards +++ [Nose]

56% of lacerations caused by surfboards fins.

Exemples: Joel Parkinson or Pauline Ados accidents.

Leash13 cases of finger trauma in summer 2006 (3,7% of accidents).

8 fractures of the 3rd phalange of a finger (4 open fractures and 1 amputation, 6 surgeries).

In summer 2014 : 4,1 % of accidents.

Severe leash accidents (50%).

Less fractures (33% in 2014).

Efficiency of the messages of prevention / surf school advices.

Leash

Dont grab your leash !

Risk of entanglement around the upper limb.

Danger with a big board and a thin leash.

Profile of the Injured Surfers22% are girls.

50% of injured surfer girls had less than 20 yo and 25% less than 16 yo.

Age

Average age = 26.

2/3 of patients had less than 30.

Young kids among the victims.

Level of ExperienceBeginner : 35%. Half injured during a surfing lesson.

Intermediate : 34%

Experienced : 31%

Surfing Injuries - Traumatology

Most Frequent Injuries

Lacerations (61%)

9 out of 10 require stitches.

6 stitches on average.

7 out of 10 lacerations concern the head of the surfer.

Facial cuts can leave scars.

Scalp Lacerations can be hemorrhagic.

Localisation

Lacerations - CausesThe surfboard cause 93% of the lacerations.

56% from sharp fins and 30% from pointed nose.

Most serious Injuries

3 Ocular trauma requiring surgery.

In case of ocular trauma, a consultation with an ophtalmologist is mandatory (risk of fiberglass inside the wound).

Spinal Trauma

14 cervical traumas.3 severe whiplashes with vertebral fracture.Circumstances : diving at the end of a wave in shallow water or shore break accident.

Summer 2014 (small waves)More accidents : 4,6 accidents/day ( 34% ).

Less serious accidents (26 -> 18%). N0 drowning. Hospitalisation 5%.

Age of the victims: 26,6 years oldbut 40 yo and 20 yo.

More women involved in surfing accidents: 46% : from 22% to 33%.

More beginners injured: de 45%.

Less lacerations (61% -> 48%) and less fractures (11% -> 5%) but more contusions (15% ->30%) and dislocations (3 -> 6%). Sprains stable at 10%.

Explanation : more soft boards used in surf schools or in rental shops.

Prevention has a direct impact on the types of surfing injuries. : 1/2

Licences F.F.S.: de 72% : x2 Femme et 12 ans

Localisation of Injuries 2014

Stable

Mechanism of injury in 2014

Stable

The vast majority of surfing accidents could be prevented by simple measures and adaptations of the surfers equipment.

Prevention

- Nose Guard

- Tail Guard

Soft Boards, Rounded Shape.

Tomo Boards

Inflatable Boards (Surf & SUP)

Soft Edged Fins

Finless Surfboards

Secured Leash

Removable Leash (XM Power Clip) to prevent drowning from a leash entangled in the reef.

Helmet use5 reasons why surfers should wear a helmet : www.theinertia.com/surf/5-reasons-why-surfers-should-wear-a-helmet

You can win a surf contest with a helmet !

Jeremy Flores, Teahupoo Champion 2015

Inflatable Wetsuit / Vest

Wairgo TribordBillabong V1

Flags

(Photo IMAZ PRESS REUNION)

Warning Signs

Surfers EtiquetteNat Young Surfers CodeHomemade warning

Prevention from the French Surfing Federation

Soft Board Zones / Spots ?

Books and Guides on surf prevention

Free Surf Prevention Guide

Take-Home MessagesKnow before you Go.

If in Doubt, dont paddle Out.

Your Surfboard is your First Enemy.

Protect your Head in all Circumstances.

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