Injuries in kitesurfing: a retrospective cross-sectional survey on injury patterns based on discipline and skill level, considering time loss and performance reduction

Despite the rapid growth of kitesurfing, there is a lack of comprehensive scientific research on injuries associated with the sport. To investigate the incidence and patterns of kitesurfing injuries, as well as their impact on time loss and performance reduction across the different subdisciplines and skill levels. An online survey among kitesurfers assessed major injuries causing more than three weeks of time loss in kitesurfing, medical treatment, or work absence. Injury frequencies were analysed with reference to discipline, sex, and performance level. Severity was determined by time loss and performance reduction. 3138 athletes reporting 3720 injuries were included into the study. The overall injury rate was 4.8 injuries per 1000 h kitesurfing, ranging from 65/1000 h for beginners to 1.1/1000 h for professionals. Besides cuts and abrasion (23%, n = 850), rib injuries (12%, n = 448), knee ligament injuries (6%, n = 237), foot and ankle fractures (5%, n = 193) and ligament injuries (5%, n = 174) and concussions (5%, n = 171) were most common in kitesurfing. Among the most common injuries, knee ligament injuries were associated with the highest time loss and reduction in performance. While injury patterns differ by discipline and sex, athlete skill level emerged as the most relevant risk factor, with beginners facing a substantially higher injury risk than advanced or professional kitesurfers. The most severe injuries involved knee ligaments, lower extremity fractures, and rib trauma, resulting in considerable time loss and reduced performance. These findings highlight the need for skill level–adapted and discipline-specific injury prevention strategies.