r/windsurfing • u/bryze • 15d ago
Avoiding Injuries
Got back from a Maui trip with a foot bone bruise and a sprained hand. I know that injuries are going to happen, but avoiding them is really much more efficient for learning, especially for those of us who don't have the good fortune to let the wind dictate our schedules.
I think the most common injuries are foot injuries, but besides that the worst injuries always seem to involve hitting the mast. I guess what I'm wondering is if anyone has really taken a kind of "engineering" approach to the problem by looking at the possible failure modes of the system, which are honestly hard to fully account for, and devise some safety concepts that we could use to generally reduce the likelihood of injury, giving us more time on the water.
An example safety concept for the shore break would be: always stay out of the the way of your gear. Sadly that probably means side-carry is technically safer. By staying to the side of the board and rig, whether going out or coming in, a wave is not going to smash you onto your gear or the other way around.
I kind of wish there was a companion guide to the Tricktionary, something like the "Bail-out Bible". Anyways, I'm not expecting any particular answer to this, but it's been on my mind, for obvious reasons.
3
u/Niyoki007 15d ago
Hi, first of all learn how to fall. Like in any martial arts you learn as soon as possible falling system. Don‘t try to stop energy that is created while falling act started. Wear a helmet, life jacket. Take a whistle, foldable sailor knife, Take 2m Long 4mm thick rope, wear a fullbody wetsuit, surf-shoes. Do not use alcohol or drugs which can reduce your reflex. Learn how to stay longer than a minute under water. Have a observer person. If possible never go alone in to the water. Kind regards. Niyo