Research Highlights Risks of Surfing in Popular Spots
SYDNEY — A recent study from the University of New South Wales has found that over 11% of Australian surfers have injured another person while surfing. The research, published in the journal Injury Prevention, highlights the risks associated with crowded surfing conditions across the country.
According to the study, conducted by UNSW’s Beach Safety Research Group, out of 815 surveyed surfers, 93 admitted to causing injuries, often due to accidental collisions. Dr Michael Tran, lead author of the study, noted that while most cases were accidental, some incidents involved retaliatory actions related to breaches of surf etiquette.
Collisions and Consequences in the Surf
The research revealed that nearly half of these injuries resulted from collisions in crowded waters. Fin-related cuts, known as ‘fin chops’, were the most common injury, followed by head traumas and concussions. Dr Tran emphasised the dangers of such injuries, stating, “A head injury in the surf can quickly become a drowning risk.”
As surfing’s popularity has surged, particularly post-pandemic, more inexperienced surfers are entering the water, thereby increasing the likelihood of accidents, according to co-author Dr Amy Peden. She stressed the importance of balancing growing participation with safety measures.
The study also pointed out the lack of formal injury reporting systems for incidents involving surfers injuring others, which makes it difficult to accurately gauge the frequency of such events. This gap in data could hinder the development of effective prevention strategies.
Dr Peden added, “The absence of structured reporting mechanisms means that many incidents go undocumented, leaving a significant gap in understanding the scope of the problem. This lack of data not only affects our perception of the risks but also limits the ability to create targeted solutions to enhance surfer safety.”
Efforts to improve safety in popular surfing spots are underway, with some local councils beginning to implement new guidelines and educational programmes aimed at reducing the number of injuries. By promoting better awareness and adherence to surfing etiquette, these initiatives hope to foster a safer environment for both seasoned surfers and newcomers alike.
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
Last updated: 4 April 2026, 6:39 pm
