What to Do to Practice Watersports Safely
There’s nothing like taking to the water to beat the heat and get in some adventure and exercise. However, watersports can cause dangerous injuries when you don’t take the right precautions. Surprisingly, it’s not always beginner’s bad luck…many watersport injuries happen to those who have achieved high levels of experience.
Whether you choose tubing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, or kiteboarding, it’s important to take the right precautions to be safe. The water adds another element of danger because unlike dry land, if you wind up unconscious, you have the potential to drown.
With these sports, especially waterskiing, it’s not uncommon to strain hamstrings or ankles, or even fracture them. Problems with the Achilles tendon can also arise. If you’re planning to head out to the water for watersports like these, a session with your in-home physiotherapist can help prep you for the long haul and prevent serious injuries.
Additionally, you should follow these tips to have a safe day out in the waves:
- Drink loads of water – Your musculoskeletal system and all your muscles depend on it and they work best when they have ample hydration.
- Take time to stretch – Before it’s your turn to get out there, do a series of warmup stretches to boost your range of motion. Even if you’re young and agile, one wrong move can translate to an injury that will plague you with pain for years so don’t skip it!
- Always wear your life jacket – Even if you’re an Olympic gold medal winner for swimming, a life jacket is essential. All it takes is for you to think you’ve seen a shark to lose your footing, fall into the water, and bump your head on your equipment to knock you out. The best swimmers can’t swim if they’re not awake, so stop worrying about your image and be safe!
- The limit exists – You can’t go from novice to expert the first time you’re practicing one of these watersports. Instead, aim to go slow and increase your intensity gradually.
- Use a helmet – Like a life jacket, a helmet is a good idea for many watersports, especially if there’s a danger you could hit your head on something.
- Know when to take a break – If you feel pain or soreness in your muscles, it’s time to take a break. Enjoy the view from the boat while you hydrate with more water.
Watersports are a great way to exercise and have fun. However, they can be dangerous if you’re not looking out for yourself. Prepare your body for the adventure by scheduling a session with our licensed and experienced physiotherapists who can come to your home and have you ready to embark on your water adventures in no time!
