Evidence on the water: New study on injury patterns in kitesurfing

A team of sports medicine experts from our association Surfmedizin has published one of the most comprehensive epidemiological studies to date on injuries in kitesurfing in the journal BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation.

The retrospective study analyzes 3,138 athletes and 3,720 injuries .

Key Facts & Incidences

• Overall incidence: 4.8 injuries per 1,000 kitesurfing hours (moderate risk, comparable to other non-contact sports). No significant gender difference.

• Risk factor skill level: Inversely proportional correlation. Beginners have the highest risk with 65 injuries/1,000 hours (professionals: 1.1).

• Disciplines in comparison: Kitepark leads with 12.5 injuries/1,000 h , clearly ahead of Freeride (5.4) and Big Air / Freestyle (~2.1–2.6).

  
  

Anatomical predilection & entities

• Lower extremity (43.2%): The knee joint (13.2%) is the most frequently affected single structure (especially ACL and medial collateral ligament ruptures; 6.4%).

• Upper extremity (18.9%): Predominance of shoulder trauma (8.3%) due to dislocations/distortions under tensile stress.

• Head & torso: TBI/concussions account for 4.6%, rib contusions/fractures for 12.0%.

Morbidity & Time Loss: The longest periods of absence from work ( time loss ) and the most protracted rehabilitation phases are caused by knee ligament ruptures , fractures of the lower extremities , and severe rib injuries . 1% of cases were classified as polytrauma.

Practice takeaways for clinics and physiotherapy

1. Primary prevention: Beginners absolutely must attend a professional kitesurfing school to ensure the critical motor learning phase is covered.

2. Prevention training: Evidence-based, proprioceptive and eccentric strength training to stabilize the knee joint and rotator cuff.

3. Personal protective equipment (PPE): Consistent recommendation of helmet (TBI prophylaxis) and impact vest (reduction of rib fractures).

4. Return-to-Sport: Due to the high holding forces and unpredictable impact loads, a specific functional screening is essential before returning to sport.

Click here for the study:

Offerhaus, C., Hohage, A., Poehlmann, M. et al. Injuries in kitesurfing: a retrospective cross-sectional survey on injury patterns based on discipline and skill level, considering time loss and performance reduction. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehab (2026).