Kayaking is an excellent low-impact sport to participate in in a hot climate like the Sydney summer. It is perfect for all ages and can be quite relaxing or very strenuous—you can pick your poison.
While it has some safety risks and it is important to have instruction when learning the sport, it is a relatively low injury risk sport. Below is a summary of the most common injuries and things to look out for if you are thinking of getting into kayaking this summer!
Whitewater kayaking is more strenuous and requires higher levels of skill for those who are looking for a challenge in their sport.
Shoulder injuries are the most common injury for kayakers; this can be traumatic or over-use related (1, 2). Traumatic injuries often happen when you are trying to prevent the kayak from capsizing. Shoulder injuries are very important to address early, as they can last a long time if not dealt with quickly and effectively. Things to look out for are any form of shoulder pain:
Elbow and wrist injuries are less common in kayakers and are almost always related to over-use. Once again, if not addressed early, they can become very long-term and impact the ability to participate in both kayaking and other activities.
Signs and symptoms can include pain in either elbow or wrist during or after kayaking; it may be sore initially, then warm up, and may be sore with other gripping or upper body weight-bearing activities (such as push-ups).
Lower back injuries are the 2nd most common injury for kayakers (1). These are most commonly overuse-related but can also be traumatic. Lower back pain is the most common musculoskeletal condition and can be very complex. Kayaking places high demand on postural muscles, and whilst this may make participants prone to lower back pain, it can also be an excellent management and strengthening strategy. Signs and symptoms that kayaking is causing back pain could be back pain during or after kayaking, leg pain, or hip pain.
Neck injuries in kayaking are most commonly overuse-related. Neck injuries can commonly be linked to shoulder injuries and should be addressed early to ensure they do not become chronic. Symptoms of neck injuries can include pain, headaches, nausea, arm pain, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue.
Injuries are frustrating and can impact your ability to participate in sports and activities of daily living. When participating in sports such as kayaking, it is important to have a maintenance and injury prevention routine. Whether you are currently experiencing pain related to your kayaking (or other sport), wanting to start kayaking, or wanting to prevent getting injured, physiotherapy could benefit you.
Kate works at the Penrith clinic of The Healthy Body Company, and has been a kayaker her whole life. She is passionate about helping people stay injury-free and has an intricate understanding of kayaking and the demands of the sport on the body.
Kate is a physiotherapist at our Penrith clinic and would love to help you get into kayaking, manage your kayaking-related injuries, and get you back on the water!
