Injuries in Whitewater Paddling

In brief Whitewater paddlers have very few injuries other than bruises and minor scrapes, and major injuries are the exception rather than the rule. Many of the injuries occur to capsized boaters, who are susceptible to hematomas, contusions, and abrasions from bumping into unseen rocks and obstructions as the river current carries them downstream. Two major chronic complaints are tendinitis of the wrist extensors and low back pain. Major injuries include head injuries, fractures, and shoulder dislocations and subluxations. As with other water sports, drowning is the major cause of fatalities.