Staying safe surfing Gisborne-East Coast waves: How to prevent injuries

ACC chief executive James Whitaker has personal experience of suffering injuries in surfing and recommends "having a hmmm" before heading into the waves. Photo / Neil Doherty

Surfing is one of Aotearoa’s most popular water sports, but it’s also the leading cause of water-related injuries, according to ACC figures.

That in mind, ACC is encouraging surfers to “have a hmmm” before heading out into the waves.

ACC last year accepted 232 surfing-related injuries in the Gisborne region at a cost of $289,000 to help people recover.

That was part of a total of 1340 ACC-accepted surfing-related injuries over five years in the region at a total cost of $1.8 million.

In 2024, ACC accepted almost 6000 nationwide injury claims involving surfing - paying out over $15m.

Injuries ranged from sprains and strains to more serious head, neck and back injuries.

ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said people needed to know their limits.

“The ocean is beautiful and provides a lot of joy, but it’s also bigger and more powerful than any of us and needs to be respected.

“I’ve surfed around Aotearoa for over 30 years and I’m still humbled by some of the situations I find myself in. The best way to stay safe is to take a moment before you get stuck in.

“It is always better to prevent a surfing injury happening in the first place, so you can keep doing what you love.”

Checking conditions and tides and knowing your own limitations and ability could be the difference between a great surf session and a serious injury, he said.

Surfing New Zealand chief executive Ben Kennings said surfers had more safety tools at their fingertips than ever before.

“Assessing the conditions in front of you is great, but understanding forecasts helps you make more informed decisions – things like wind, swell and tide times.

“While most people try to avoid crowded line-ups, it’s important to surf with others, too. If you get into difficulty or get injured, another surfer can assist you to shore or call for help. Plus, surfing is more fun with mates.”

Kennings said there were more than 300,000 recreational surfers in Aotearoa.

Surf schools played an important role in introducing people to the sport. He encouraged New Zealanders to give the sport a go, but said they needed to make sure they surfed at their skill level.

“Surfing is awesome, but we need to acknowledge our sport does have its dangers. It’s about knowing how to minimise the risks and that comes with experience.”

Whitaker said one of the biggest things they saw with surfing injuries was a combination of people overestimating their ability and underestimating the conditions.

If a person was in doubt, finding something else to do might be the best option, he said.

Tips to stay safe in the waves

• Check it before you charge it: Take it easy on your first few rides. Look for shallow spots, rips and other hazards.
• Know your limits: Surf in conditions that match your ability — if in doubt, don’t go out.
• Respect others in the water: Give plenty of space and avoid dropping in on someone already riding.
• Always wear a leg rope: It keeps your board close, and your board is your best flotation device.
• Cover your head when you fall: Protect yourself from fins, boards and reef knocks.
• Buddy up: Surfing with friends means help is nearby if something goes wrong.

For injury prevention tips and programmes to suit your lifestyle, go to acc.co.nz/prevention-tips