As someone who loves hitting the waves, it’s natural to worry about injuries and how to prevent them. Surfing isn’t always kind to your body, especially your knees. With the twists, turns, and sometimes hard landings, your knees take quite a beating, and you might start wondering if you need some extra protection out there.
I remember reading about a pro surfer who mentioned his struggles with a knee injury in a Surfing Knee Braces article. He said he wore a knee brace after he had an ACL tear and it made a world of difference. It cut down recovery time by nearly 50% and drastically reduced pain during recovery. It’s hard not to be convinced by testimonials like that.
Knee braces can provide stability and support, which is crucial when you’re riding a 6-foot wave at 20 mph. The last thing you want is to feel wobbly or insecure about your movements. Even for recreational surfers, having a bit of added support can go a long way in boosting confidence. Some braces even come with specialized features like hinges that allow for natural knee movement while offering formidable lateral support.
But let’s dig into some numbers. In a survey conducted on surf injuries, it was found that knee injuries constituted about 20% of all reported cases. That’s one in every five surfers dealing with some form of knee issue. Given these odds, it’s not surprising that more surfers are considering the benefits of additional knee support.
If you look at surfing magazines or forums, you’ll often see discussions about gear. Most pro surfers agree that protection shouldn’t be overlooked. According to a study, the average cost of knee surgery can range from $5,000 to $30,000 depending on the severity. Compare that to the price of a knee brace, which typically costs anywhere from $20 to $200. Investing in some preventive measures seems like a no-brainer when you look at the potential medical costs.
I was once skeptical about whether the knee brace would be necessary. However, after hearing multiple accounts and checking out the statistics, the idea doesn’t seem far-fetched. For example, Turtle Bay Resort in Hawaii conducted a poll among their surf instructors, and nearly 60% of them said they use some form of knee support during lessons. Their primary reason? Prevention of injuries, of course.
It also comes down to personal feel and comfort. Maybe you have no history of knee problems and feel perfectly fine without one. But remember, statistics show that injuries can happen to anyone. It’s akin to wearing a seatbelt; most of the time, you don’t need it, but when you do, it can save you from severe harm.
Overall fitness and strong leg muscles do play a role in knee health. Regularly strengthening your quadriceps and hamstrings can naturally support your knees. According to fitness experts, engaging in leg-strengthening exercises for at least 20 minutes, three times a week can significantly lower the risk of knee injuries.
I’ve seen surfers switch to using knee braces after their first major injury. They often say it’s the best decision they made. Our knees have a long lifespan if we take good care of them. Orthopedic surgeons indicate that early onset arthritis can be a frequent consequence of repeated knee injuries. Using a brace now could help you avoid serious joint issues later on.
Also, consider your surfboard. A standard shortboard has dimensions that generally don’t put as much strain on your knees as a longboard might. The additional surface area can sometimes make maneuvering a bit trickier, increasing the risk for a knee twist or hyperextension.
So, do you absolutely need a knee brace for surfing? Not necessarily. But should you consider it? Given the data and the experiences of seasoned surfers, I’d say it’s worth thinking about. The peace of mind it offers and the potential to stave off costly medical bills make it a pretty compelling option.