5/10/2021 Most Common Surfing Injuries and Accidents - Surfline

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The Most Common Injuries in Surfing

And how to prevent/treat them…

Dashel Pierson
Mar 3rd, 2019. Updated about 1 year ago.

As an Orange County native, Mark Kozuki was somewhat of an outsider growing up. He spent more
time playing hockey than surfing, more time on the ice than on the sand. And his passion for the puck
took him to Minnesota for college, where he played D3 hockey. But eventually, the cold and the
persistent injuries on the ice weighed on him; and that particular blend of distress sent him down his
next, unlikely, path: physical therapy for surfers.

“After college, I became hooked on surfing and couldn’t get enough of it,” says Kozuki. This, and his
passion for sports medicine, propelled him into a career blending the two. And back in balmy
California, Kozuki teamed up with Dr. Ben Rubin, then later, Dr. Tim Brown, whom he calls the
“godfather” of surf and beach volleyball medicine and his mentor in the field. Since then, he’s worked
with professional athletes on the WCT, and the injuries and ailments that plague them — from John
John to Jordy, torn meniscuses to spine injuries.

We caught up with Kozuki for a full breakdown on the most common injuries surfers experience, how
to best prevent them, and which stops on tour cause the most carnage.
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5/10/2021 Most Common Surfing Injuries and Accidents - Surfline

What are the most common injuries that afflict surfers?

Spine injuries are very common in surfers, particularly the lower back or lumbar region. This is due to
the extended or arched position when paddling on the board. This causes overuse and stiffness in
many of the muscles around the spine. Also, the repetitive rotation in one direction causes more
muscle stiffness and muscle imbalance. If you are a regularfoot surfer, you twist primarily to the left
and to the right if you are goofyfoot.

Knee injuries are also very common, particularly to the inside of the knee or the ‘medial’ aspect. The
MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) and the medial meniscus are the most commonly injured
structures. Knee injuries commonly occur from compression from the wave, or having a leg slip off
the board and one leg remain on the board.

Ankle injuries are also quite prevalent due to surfers performing aerial maneuvers and landing
awkwardly. High ankle or ‘syndesmosis’ sprains, where the foot is forced upwards towards the shin,
are becoming more common as well.

Mick Fanning, Mick Myself and Eugene

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