This summer, whether waterskiing or wake-boarding following these tips will help you avoid injury and enhance your summer experience.

INJURY TYPES:

Most injuries from waterskiing and wake-boarding are minor and include:

• Bruises

• Cuts

• Lacerations

• Sprains

• Strains

Head and neck injuries are more common with wake-boarding, while injuries to the lower extremities occur more often with waterskiing; more serious injuries can occur including: concussions, ruptured eardrums and drowning are also possible although much more unlikely.

PREVENTION OF INJURIES:

Proper training and conditioning can prevent many of the more common injuries. Stretching, strengthening and overall conditioning can decrease the risk of sprains and strains.

• A key tip especially for novices is to let go of the tow rope when falling in order to avoid being dragged through the water in a compromised position.

• Water-skiers should keep the front of their skis above the water in order to avoid getting the front of their ski stuck and to keep their knees flexed to be better able to absorb the shock and pounding.

• Wake-boarders should only try tricks that are within their ability range.

• Proper equipment is also critical with bindings being tight enough so that skis and wakeboards do not spontaneously fall off.

• Helmets should be used when wakeboarding due to the occurrence of possible head injuries that can occur.

• Any minor sprains or strains can be treated with the use of the RICE Principle (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.)