Does It Hurt Learners to Fall on a Wakeboard?

August 17, 2022 3 min read

Many people wonder: Does it hurt to fall on a wakeboard? Here are some answers to that question. The following article discusses the incidence of falls, the types of injuries, and whether or not they are common. Also, discover whether falls are more likely in younger people or tubers. It may surprise you to learn that falling on a wakeboard is less common in men than in women.

Less Common

A recent study examined the causes of falls on wakeboards. The majority of falls involve the head and neck region, while injuries to the lower extremities are less common. The study also looked at the rate of injuries to different parts of the body. The most common injury types were laceration, fracture, and back and neck injuries. Less common falls on a wakeboard occurred among those who were younger and less skilled.

Unlike skateboards, wakeboards do not contain moving parts, making them highly durable. Some wakeboards are designed to last up to ten years, and many are constructed with fiberglass or plastic. In addition, the board's design is such that a fall onto it is a knee hazard, since it stretches perpendicular to the line of motion and transmits high lateral forces to the knees.

More Common Among Younger Individuals

Injuries sustained while tubing and wakeboarding have similar age distributions. Injury rates peaked in late adolescence and early adulthood, and decreased with increasing age. This decline in age is likely linked to increased participation in the sport among younger individuals, which has resulted in a decreased injury rate. As a result, wakeboarding and tubing participation among older people have decreased by about 33%.

When first learning how to wakeboard, beginners should sit with their knees bent and arms straight, allowing the boat to pull them up. Once they have reached the desired height, they should jump off the wake with their knees extended. There are several tricks to execute when falling off a wakeboard. Some of these include a speedball or a double back roll. Whirlybirds, on the other hand, are back rolls that require a full 360 degree spin.

Less Common for Men

The most common injuries sustained by men when falling on a wakeboard are concussions, whiplash, and broken bones. The high speed and force of water creates a slap, making a fall a hard, jarring impact. Broken bones and fractured limbs are also common, although men are less likely to fall on a wakeboard than women. Men may also be less careful while wakeboarding due to bindings, which prevent movement of the legs.

Injuries involving the cables are also a common risk in wakeboarding. In one recent case, a patient suffered traumatic amputation of his dominant hand after falling on a wakeboard. He was helping a beginner wakeboarder when his towing Jet Ski driver misinterpreted his reply as 'go.' He continued to drive after the patient replied 'no.' When he reached the water, the tow cable became tightened around his wrist and distal forearm.

Less Common for Tubers

It is much less common for tubers to fall on a tube than it is to crash into a boat or other object. However, speed is important when tubing. Taking a sharp turn can cause your tube to fly sideways and into other boats, objects, or even each other. Therefore, it is advisable to start out slowly and find the right speed for your skill level.

When taking a ride on a tube, remember to wear a life jacket. Regardless of age, you should wear one. Another way to avoid falling on a tube is to use a tow rope. The tow rope must be sturdy and secure. Do not improvise a tow rope as the force of the tube moving from side to side can snap the rope.

Less Common for Novices

Before you begin to wakeboard, it is important to understand how to balance on your wakeboard. Keeping your arms straight and your weight evenly distributed over the board is key to safety. Never look down at your feet and try to balance over the center of the wake. In addition, try to keep your hands in front of your hips, not behind them. If you fall, you will land on your back, not the middle.

The best way to avoid falling in the water is to perfect your technique. A more experienced boarder can help teach newbies the ropes and how to approach tricks. The trick of learning wakeboarding is to stay aware of your level and follow the tips they offer. It will take time to perfect your form, so stay patient and don't give up. Once you master the basics, you can push yourself to the next level.



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