World's first study on wing foiling injuries published

As a relatively young water sports discipline, wingfoiling has gained significant popularity over recent years. Yet, even though this exciting sport is attracting more and more enthusiasts, there has been a lack of comprehensive research regarding its associated injuries—until now.

Dr. Thomas Gangl and the Surfmedizin team have shed light on the matter, publishing the world’s first medical study on the risk of injury in the Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine (OAJSM).

First, the all-clear: Wingfoiling is no more dangerous than kitesurfing or windsurfing.

With an incidence rate of 5.7 injuries per 1000 hours, the sport is well within the safe zone of modern water sports.

The Facts: What Happens on the Water?

The study analyzed data from 415 active wingfoilers. Around 31% suffered at least one injury during the investigation period. Here is an overview of the injury hotspots:

• Main Target: The Legs: Most acute injuries affect the feet, lower legs, and knees (mostly bruises, cuts, or strains).

• The Footstrap Danger Zone: 24% of all ankle injuries and 6% of knee injuries occurred because riders got caught in the footstraps during a crash.

• Rib Risks: Severe acute injuries (such as fractures) mostly affected the chest area due to hard impacts.

• Chronic Overuse: Those who spend a lot of time "flying" feel it long-term, particularly in the shoulders (from holding the wing) and the knees (from balancing the foil).

Good to know: Collisions with other water sports enthusiasts are extremely rare. A solid 77.5% of all accidents are self-inflicted – caused by driving errors due to tiredness and exhaustion. The main risk is therefore one's own equipment.

Surfmedizin’s Top 4 Prevention Tips

Clear recommendations can be drawn from the data to ensure you stay injury-free throughout the season:

1. Use Protective Gear: Helmets and impact vests should be standard. They effectively protect against concussions and typical rib bruises or fractures.

2. Fatigue Management (Take Breaks): Most mistakes happen when you are exhausted. End the session before your concentration completely drops.

3. Adjust Straps Correctly: Set up your footstraps so you can easily and cleanly slip out during a crash—or just ride completely "strapless" for freeriding.

4. Cross-Training: On windless days, specifically strengthen your rotator cuff (shoulders) as well as your knee and core stability.

Conclusion

The Surfmedizin study shows that wingfoiling is a safe sport if you ride smart. Put your protective gear on, manage your energy, and see you on the water!

About the study: Gangl T, Balke M, Thuenemann K. Sports Injuries While Wingfoiling. OAJSM. 2023:14:69-78.

Click here for the full paper