How to Make the Most of Summer Watersports While Avoiding Injuries
If you’re ready for summer fun, your plans may include watersports. It’s the best way to enjoy that hot weather while keeping your cool. However, sports like wakeboarding, waterskiing, and surfing are not something you may do often living where we do.
That said, you’ll want to do a few things to help keep you safe and avoid injuries so you can have a wonderful summer ahead.
– Make sure all equipment is in good shape
For wakeboarding and waterskiing, a life jacket is an essential piece of equipment. And when wakeboarding, a safety helmet is best as there is a greater risk for concussion should you hit your head. In each of these sports, making sure you’ve got that life jacket on can save your life should you fall unconscious from taking a blow to the head.
– There’s safety in numbers
When you go out on a boat for waterskiing and wakeboarding, you should always have at least two people in the boat at all times. There should be one to drive the boat and another one to serve as a spotter should trouble arise.
– Watch out for the boat propeller
Never approach the boat when the propeller is on. Wait until it is off to come back on board.
– Know when to let go
With waterskiing and waterboarding, it’s dangerous to keep hanging onto the tow rope as you fall. Just let go. Your life jacket will help keep you afloat and the boat can circle back to get you.
– Reschedule when conditions are rough
For all watersports, when the water is choppy, it might be best to reschedule your plans. If you plan on surfing, don’t go into the water when conditions are beyond your skill or preparations.
– Don’t surf alone
Let’s forget about sharks and other sea creatures for a moment. Surfing without a buddy is dangerous because anything could happen. If that board hits you in the head, it can knock you unconscious. There is safety in numbers for a reason!
– Be aware of your surroundings
In all bodies of water, it’s important to know what hazards are surrounding you. Whether it’s large rocks, buoys, or some other danger, being aware will help you avoid catastrophe.
– Don’t forget these are sports too
If you’re not a regular surfer, water-skier, or wakeboarder, you may not realize that these typical vacation offerings are indeed sports. And they require training too. While most resorts will offer instructed lessons for these and other watersports, you will want to make sure you prepare for them ahead of your travels. Keep up with your workouts and get your muscles primed through massage. This will help you minimize your risk for injuries and have a blast riding those waves.
Get a massage on your time without ever leaving home through In Your Home Therapy. Our convenient services come to you so you can get a massage from a licensed professional any time. For previous injuries, our physiotherapists can help. And if you need help getting in shape to handle those waves, our personal trainers can put you on a program, all in your own home!
