Surfing is a popular UK water-sport. Recommendations for protective gear are based on studies abroad from trauma from large waves and reef breaks which may not be relevant in the UK. This study assesses the aetiology of UK surfing injuries in order to assist treatment and provide formative recommendations on protective equipment.

Data was collected from UK surf clubs via an online survey. 130 individuals reported 335 injuries. M:F ratio 85:45, median age 28 (range 17–65). Head injuries were the most common (24%) followed by foot and ankle (19%). Surfers collided most often with their own boards (31%) followed by rocks/coral (15%), the sea (11%) and other surf boards (10%). Lacerations were the commonest injury (31%); followed by bruises/ black-eyes (24%) and joint/ligament sprains (15%). Concussions (5%), fractures (3%) and teeth injuries (1%) were rare. Less than 1/3 of all injuries required professional medical attention, 2 required operative intervention.

Surfing injuries in the UK are common but usually minor. Serious head injuries (fractures and concussions) are rare. There is insufficient evidence to warrant the routine use of protective helmets whilst surfing in the UK, although protective head and foot gear may be considered when surfing the rarer reef/ rock breaks.

Stand-up paddle-boarding (SUP) is an increasingly popular water sport. To our knowledge no published data exists regarding injuries sustained whilst participating in this new sport. This study investigates the frequency, pattern, and mechanism of SUP injuries.

Data was collected from UK SUP and surfing clubs via an online survey. Completed surveys were obtained from 31 paddle-boarders (M:F 25:6, median age 27, range 21–65) reporting 18 injuries and 130 surfers reporting 4 SUP-related injuries.

50% of paddle-boarders reported an injury. All SUP injuries were sustained when surfing waves, rather than paddling on calm water. Sprains accounted for 50%, lacerations 22%, contusions 17% and fractures 5%. 78% of injuries were to the lower extremity, and 17% to the head and neck. 17% sustained recurrent twisting injuries, two suffering recurrent knee injuries and one suffering recurrent ankle injuries, resulting in sprains. 17% of injuries resulted from contact with one's own paddle-board, 17% from another paddle-board, and 5% from the sea floor. Despite surfer concerns regarding paddle-board mass and control, paddle-board related injuries only accounted for 1% of the 335 injuries reported by surfers.

SUP is relatively safe in calm water conditions, with a similar injury pattern to surfers when used in waves.