Shoulder Injuries in Surfers
Understanding paddling-related pain, overuse injuries, and shoulder instability in surfing
Shoulder injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal problems in surfers and may occur from repetitive paddling, overuse, wipeouts, or direct board impact.[1][2]
Surfing places unique stress on the shoulder because surfers spend nearly half their time paddling in a prone position, often with prolonged overhead arm movement and thoracic extension.[3]
Many shoulder injuries develop gradually over time and may become chronic if mechanics, mobility, and recovery are ignored.
Common Shoulder Injuries in Surfers
Rotator Cuff Irritation and Impingement
Often caused by repetitive paddling and overuse.
Common symptoms include:
pain while paddling
soreness after surfing
weakness
pain reaching overhead
nighttime shoulder pain
Shoulder Instability and Dislocation
More common after wipeouts or trauma.
Symptoms may include:
shoulder slipping out of place
clicking or shifting
instability
pain after falls or heavy waves
Shoulder dislocations are among the most common traumatic shoulder injuries in surfing.[2]
Labral and SLAP Tears
These injuries affect the stabilizing cartilage of the shoulder joint and may occur from repetitive overhead stress or acute trauma.
Symptoms may include:
deep shoulder pain
clicking or catching
weakness
painful paddling
reduced power and endurance
Risk Factors
Several factors may increase injury risk:
high surf volume
long paddling sessions
poor shoulder mobility
muscular imbalance
inadequate recovery
competitive surfing
repetitive overhead activity
Long-term surfers and older athletes are more likely to develop chronic overuse injuries.[4]
Prevention and Recovery
Helpful strategies include:
rotator cuff strengthening
scapular stabilization exercises
thoracic mobility work
proper warm-up
recovery days between long sessions
gradual increases in surf volume
avoiding paddling through persistent pain
Many surfers benefit from improving posture, thoracic extension, and shoulder mechanics to reduce overload.
Related Article
When to Seek Medical Care
Medical evaluation may be appropriate for:
persistent pain
recurrent instability
weakness
inability to paddle normally
nighttime pain
numbness or tingling
pain after traumatic injury
Some injuries may require imaging, rehabilitation, or orthopedic evaluation.[5]
From a Surfer + Medical Perspective
As both a surfer and medical professional, shoulder pain is something I’ve seen repeatedly in surfing culture — and something many surfers normalize for far too long.
Paddling places enormous repetitive demand on the shoulders, especially during long sessions, surf trips, or periods of consistent swell.
One of the unique challenges in surfing is that shoulder pain often develops gradually. Many surfers continue surfing through discomfort until symptoms begin interfering with sleep, recovery, or time in the water.
From a medical perspective, repetitive overhead motion combined with fatigue, thoracic extension, muscular imbalance, and wave-related trauma creates a unique injury profile compared to many other sports.
From a surfer’s perspective, healthy shoulders are essential because nearly every part of surfing depends on efficient paddling.
Mobility work, strengthening, recovery, and respecting early warning signs can make a major difference in long-term shoulder health and longevity in the water.
References
Furness J, Hing W, Walsh J, et al. Acute Injuries in Recreational and Competitive Surfers. Am J Sports Med. 2015;43(5):1246-1254.
Patel BJ, Heath MR, Geannette CS, Fabricant PD, Greditzer HG. MRI Findings After Surfing Injuries. Sports Health. 2020;12(1):88-93.
Mendez-Villanueva A, Bishop D. Physiological Aspects of Surfboard Riding Performance. Sports Med. 2005;35(1):55-70.
Remnant D, Moran RW, Furness J, et al. Gradual-Onset Surfing-Related Injuries in New Zealand. J Sci Med Sport. 2020;23(11):1049-1054.
Popkin CA, Obana KK, Levine WN, Ahmad CS. The Orthopaedic Surgeon’s Guide to Surfing Injuries. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2025;33(13):731-738.