Is kitesurfing dangerous? Kitesurf research outcome

Is kitesurfing dangerous? Read our view and the facts about injury. Photo: Iris Everts
Is kitesurfing dangerous? Read our view and the facts about injury. Photo: Iris Everts

Is kitesurfing dangerous? This is a reasonable question that is often asked. We believe that kitesurfing is a sport that is still growing worldwide. Our belief is also that kitesurfing equipment is much friendlier than it used to be. This makes kitesurfing accessible to many people. In this kitesurfing blog we discuss the results of a study into the letset percentage and its seriousness when kitesurfing. First read our vision and the answer to the question whether kitesurfing is a dangerous sport.

Vision of kitesurfing danger

Kitesurfing as an extreme sport

It is clear to us that kitesurfing is potentially an extreme sport. In practice we find kitesurfing, if well prepared, practiced with good equipment and common sense, not dangerous. But there's no denying that kitesurfing, like many other sports and activities in life, can be potentially dangerous. The fact that kitesurfers worldwide die every year as a result of accidents while kitesurfing, says it all. Between wind force 4 and 6 it is not that bad, even if you can have to deal with surprises in the weather and on the water. In stronger winds and a wilder sea kitesurfing can be very cool. Who does not know the spectacular images. However, the risks can also increase rapidly. For example, if you want to brave a rough sea with wind gusts of 80 km/h and do a high kiteloop. This kind tricks can be learned but if you just start this, chances are you will crash hard. The risks quickly increase in such circumstances if you accidentally make a mistake. It is also possible that another kite surfer makes a mistake and you get into trouble yourself as a result. For example, if the lines intersect. Sometimes it is necessary to react very adequately to avoid major problems. And the sea itself… Well, it provides a lot of fun and challenge, but it can also be dangerous.

Is kite surfing dangerous? Read our view and the facts about injury. Photo: Iris Everts
You largely determine yourself whether you make kitesurfing dangerous. Photo: Iris Everts

Kitesurfing is as dangerous as you make it yourself

Our belief is that as a kitesurfer you are and remain responsible for your actions. So taking kitesurf lesson. The purchasing kitesurfing equipment appropriate for your skill level. Making choices about yes/no on the water to go. Kitesurfing rules can handle and comply with. But also your behavior on the water and on the side. You already read it. You almost always decide for yourself whether you make it dangerous or not. Our position is that kitesurfing is not a dangerous sport but can become dangerous if you just do something. We go back to the facts and findings of the kitesurfing research.

Sorry for the sermon, but that's part of it sometimes. We go back to the facts and findings of the investigation.

Is kite surfing dangerous?

This topic caught our eye in an edition of I surf may. Research has been done in the Netherlands into whether kitesurfing has a higher injury rate than other (contact) sports. With the help of a so-called cohort study, it was investigated during an entire kitesurfing season whether and, if so, what type of injuries occur.

Research method

Injury data from 194 kite surfers of different skill levels, kitesurf riding styles and age was investigated during a kitesurfing season in the Netherlands. The amount of time spent kitesurfing was recorded along with all reported injuries. Whenever an injury was reported, an additional questionnaire on the type of injury and background was sent for follow-up research on the nature of the injury, severity and the circumstances under which the injury occurred.

Vision on, and research into, danger, risk and injury kitesurfing… Photo: Iris Everts
Vision on, and research into, danger, risk and injury kitesurfing… Photo: Iris Everts

Research results: Is kitesurfing dangerous?

The calculated injury rate was 10,5 per 1000 hours of kitesurfing. The most common injuries were cuts and abrasions (25,4%), followed by bruises (19,8%), joint sprains (17,5%) and muscle injuries (10,2%). The foot and ankle were the most common injury sites (31,8%), followed by the knee (14,1%) and hand and wrist (10,2%). Most injuries occurred during a kitesurf trick and/or jump. Although the majority of injuries were minor, serious injuries did occur. For example, a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, a spinal fracture, an ankle fracture and an injury to the eardrum.

The injury rate of kitesurfing is in the range of other popular (contact) sports.

Conclusion research

The answer to the question “Is kitesurfing dangerous?” we have already given you. Then we enriched it with research into kitesurfing injuries. The injury rate of kitesurfing is in the range of other popular (contact) sports. Most injuries are relatively mild, although kitesurfing can also cause serious injuries. In addition, the foot and ankle were shown to be the most commonly affected body parts.

Is kite surfing dangerous? Kitesurf research outcome
Is kitesurfing dangerous? Kitesurf research outcome

Read the research take it easy because it is super interesting to read how the researchers conducted the research and what findings they came up with. And don't forget our strict but constructive note. Namely; kitesurfing is as dangerous as you make it yourself.

5 comments

    1. Good point Mark. However, the question is almost always asked from the perspective of risk and danger and I wanted to connect as closely as possible.

        1. Marco hereby promises. Maybe you want to send me a message, then maybe we can work together on the top 10.

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