A Prescription for Preventing Surf Injuries

Millions of surfers worldwide are prone to an array of acute and chronic conditions.

Here, Dr. Clay Everline from Straub Medical Center’s Bone & Joint Center shares tips on how to prevent getting thrashed during your next surf session.

“Participating in a conditioning program with focus on strengthening the core muscles for balance and flexibility will help surfers stay on top,” says Everline, a board-certified sports medicine physician and fellow of both the Academy of Wilderness Medicine (FAWM) and the American College of Physicians (FACP).

Everline, a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS), also notes that knowing the limits of your ability and avoiding surf that is too big or rough will help prevent a lot of injuries.

“Learning and practicing swimming skills in rough surf with adequate supervision can provide a base of overall conditioning, and a solid weight-training program with strengthening exercises for all of the muscles will help protect the bones and joints from the impacts and violent tossing involved when wiping out,” explains Everline, who co-authored the book Surf Survival: The Surfer’s Health Handbook.

“A solid stretching program to increase overall flexibility will prepare the body for the many awkward positions it may end up in while rolling in the surf, and it also will help increase overall conditioning for the surfer,” he says.

“Proper equipment and clothing while surfing also will protect the body from many of the hidden dangers on the reef.”

Everline is board certified in both internal medicine and sports medicine. A resident of Waialua, his special interests include primary care with a sports medicine focus for preadolescent to geriatric patients, non-operative sports medicine, strength and condition consultation.

The Straub Bone & Joint Center is located at Straub’s King Street and Pearlridge locations.

Click here to learn more, or call 808-522-4232 for an appointment.

Published on: January 20, 2015