Buy Walking VideosSurfing Safer Than Soccer
Every time we visit California, I try to convince Mike to go surfing or boogie boarding. How can we go to California and NOT surf? We’ve missed that opportunity every time mostly because the both of us are afraid of it. The ocean, undertow, big sea monsters that try to eat people are all things that I fear about surfing. Now, a recent study shows that surfing is about as dangerous as soccer.
The researchers collected data from 32 surfing competitions in both the professional and amateur circuits. When compared to collegiate level basketball and soccer, surfing is actually safer. Here are the recommendations to prevent injury:
“To reduce the risk of injury while surfing, Nathanson suggests good physical fitness, seeking local knowledge before paddling out to an unfamiliar break, and being realistic in terms of your ability level and the size of the waves.”
Being physically fit is mentioned to prevent injury, so surfing might not be the best way to lose weight, but it sure is a great thing to enjoy once you are healthy and strong. Swimming all those laps at the gym can finally have more meaning than just helping you lose weight. It can get you to the point where you can be a California surfer dude!
Via: Surf’s up! surfing found to be safer than soccer – That’s Fit
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January 10th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
It’s interesting that researchers are trying to quantify the risks associated with surfing. IMHO they’ll have to look at a lot more than just 32 contests. Competitive surfing is far more controlled than amateur surfing. I’ll bet more people die from surfing-related accidents than soccer and basketball combined.
Here’s more on the Health & Fitness of surfing:http://broceanography.com/category/health-fitness/
January 19th, 2007 at 9:56 am
I’ve always wanted to surf. And I am afraid of the very same things, plus I’m uncoordinated. I hope I surf before I die.