Despite routinely reaching speeds of 30 mph and jumps of 10 to 15 ft, windsurfing is a relatively safe sport. One retrospective study2 found approximately 1 injury per 1,000 sailing days. However, because of the unique equipment used and the often extreme conditions of wind and water, serious injuries do occur. The most frequently affected body areas of windsurfers are the lower extremities (44.6% of acute injuries), the upper extremities (18.5%), the head and neck (17.8%), and the trunk (16%). The most common types of injuries include sprains (26.3%), lacerations (21.2%), contusions (16.2%), and fractures (14.2%). Less common occurrences include dislocations, disk herniations, jellyfish stings, hypothermia, near-drowning, and concussions.
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