Avoiding Injuries

MichiganWak3 · Newbie Joined: 02 Jul 2009 Posts: 4 City: holland

I started wakeboarding August of 08 so I only rode for a few weeks, since it was the end of the season. I don't own a boat, but my best friend does and I've been out a few times this year. I've looked around some of these threads and saw a lot of people have had torn ACL's n concussions n stuff like that. I was wondering if anyone has some sound advice that would prevent injuries like that from happening?? My friend doesn't have a wakeboat, so the risk isn't as high for us since were not as good as most people.

shaggyboarder · Posted: Jul 03, 2009 7:00 pm Post subject:

Stretch stretch stretch..... Know your limits.

Medina · Posted: Jul 04, 2009 3:08 am Post subject:

I've never stretched... but last day i made some inverts and felt some muscle tisue on a way i shouldnt feel it... Think ill stretch soon.

RC · Addict Joined: 10 Sep 2006 Posts: 771 City: Tuscaloosa

cletis · Outlaw Joined: 26 Jun 2003 Posts: 181 City: Oshawa, Ont.

Hey man, as an AT and kinesiologist, the best advice i can give you to avoid injuries in all sports is to stretch and strengthen. Most injuries are a result of weakness, inflexibility and fatigue. Working out will not only help reduce fatigue but will help you get to know your body and your limits. It will give you the strength you need to preform the sport safely and efficiently. Like anything the more efficient you do it, the less wear and tear there will be. Stretching will give you good flexibility and reduce the risk of muscle pulls. Finally, listen to your body, when you hurt, take a rest, when your tired call it a day, and never try anything that your not ready for. I've had a lot of injuries over the years and it's because i haven't always followed the advice i've just given you.

JeffreyCH · Posted: Jul 05, 2009 12:46 pm Post subject:

Besides the excellent advice above, you will get hurt less if you learn to relax when crashing. Let your body go limp, if you tighten up it's gonna hurt worse. 9 times out of 10 I'll roll my lead shoulder into the crash and cover my face with my arm.

JeffreyCH · Posted: Jul 05, 2009 12:48 pm Post subject:

Oppps double post Laughing

OuachitaWaker · Addict Joined: 16 Sep 2006 Posts: 577 City: Hot Springs

commit!

WilsonH · Posted: Jul 05, 2009 10:42 pm Post subject:

Whenever I fall I try and cover my head up because I have friends who have had some bad concussions. If you're really worried about concussions, though, you could always wear a helmet. I'd also like to add, a lifejacket is the single most important thing in my opinion.

Christobull · Addict Joined: 29 Jun 2009 Posts: 898 City: Tulsa

JeffreyCH, I second that. An athletic individual will naturally know how to fall. It's hard to avoid the head slaps, but giving a good tuck will reduce the blow. I also try to keep my arms in to my sides, and bend my knees so that I have some give when my board catches the water.