Medical Aspects of White-Water Kayaking

Abstract

In brief: Although white-water kayaking is an increasingly popular pastime, little is known about the specific medical problems encountered in this sport. To better delineate the frequency and nature of injuries associated with this activity, the author surveyed kayaking clubs and related organizations throughout the United States. Submersion-related injuries, upper extremity overuse syndromes, low back strain, and blisters were the most common problems reported. Dislocated shoulder was the most frequent serious orthopedic injury, although various types of fractures also were reported. Blunt head trauma, hypothermia, and gastroenteritis and other infectious problems also occurred.