Orthopedic surgeon shares ways to prevent injuries while surfing

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Surfing is a sport that is embedded in San Diego's culture and brings thousands of people to the coast each year.

Eyes from all over the world are expected to be on the coastline when Trestles Beach hosts surfing during the 2028 L.A. Summer Olympics. Trestles Beach is part of San Onofre State Beach, near the border of Orange County.

With surfing being such a popular activity for people who reside in coastal communities, experts also warn of the potential safety risks that come with being out on the water.

Dr. Amar Arora, orthopedic surgeon with Sharp Memorial Hospital, sat down with FOX 5/KUSI to speak about ways to prevent injuries while surfing. Arora grew up near the beaches of Del Mar and is an avid surfer himself.

• Watch the interview with Dr. Amar Arora in the video player above.

He said learning how to fall is just as important as learning how to get on the surfboard.

"When you fall into the ocean, you don't know exactly where the board may be," Arora said. "The board can pose as a blunt instrument so it can cause head trauma, have sharp fins that cause lacerations and other sorts of cuts, so if you're coming up from the water, you want to make sure your hands are above your head to prevent injuries from the board itself."

Arora also stressed that the art of surfing can cause potential injuries and having a consistent exercise regimen is important.

Dynamic motion such as stretching and taking muscles through all the range of motions it may go through while surfing, as well as static exercises like yoga, could help the body adapt to positions it goes through while on the water.

Arora said aside from blunt trauma caused by surfboards, the other most common type of injuries he sees in patients who surf are muscle strains, knee-related injuries and issues in the lower extremities. Once in a while, Arora said he sees patients experiencing pain from dislocated shoulders depending on how they fell off the board.

"You need to understand your equipment before you go into the water," he said. "Having an understanding of your limitations can be critical not only to prevent injuries to yourself but others who may be around you while you're surfing, too."

If people are prepared for the unexpected nature of surfing, the activity can be fun and enjoyable for all ages, Arora added.