Surfing is a popular recreational and competitive sport in the United States and worldwide. Previous studies indicate surfers are frequently injured, but most studies are survey based, and little is known about surfing injuries that present to emergency departments (EDs).

This study examines the epidemiology of surfing injuries presenting to US EDs.

A retrospective analysis was performed using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission from 2002 to 2013.

A total of 2072 cases were analyzed, corresponding to a national estimate of 131 494 total injuries over the 12-year period (95% confidence interval, 34 515-228 473). The median age of included cases was 27 years (interquartile range, 19-37). Lower extremity injuries were most common (25.9%), followed by the face (23.1%) and head and neck (22.7%). Lacerations were the most common injury type (40.7%), followed by sprains and strains (14.4%), contusions (12.9%), and fractures (11.9%); 95.7% of cases were treated and released. Patients older than 60 years, those injured to the trunk, and those suffering fractures or internal organ injuries were admitted at a statistically significant increased frequency (P<.05).

Surfing injuries are common but rarely serious. The injuries most commonly affect the lower extremity, head, neck, and face and are most frequently lacerations. Age older than 60 years, injuries to the trunk, and internal organ injuries were associated with a statistically significant increased frequency of hospital admission.