Surfing Waves

Ok so I've been surfing 4-5 days/wk for the past 4 wks. W/ 4-6 hr sessions I've been so stoked about surfing ... But 2 days ago I felt sore under my right upper ribs.. I shook it off.. Was out yesterday about 5 hrs.. And last 2 hrs was so sore paddling out. Last night it was so tender I couldn't find a comfty sleeping position. So I'm taking today off but ill go nuts if I take more than 2-3 days off. I know people here have been in my shoes.., what's the LEAST amount of time to take off for such an injury?? Mahalo!
-heather

With anything, let your body heal, just take it easy! There is no point in thrashing your body, there will always be waves to catch so just relax. If you're on oahu let me know let's go surf!

Heather,
Am sorry you've got an owie. I know you know it will take what it takes. Take heart:
1. I broke a rib surfing and was out of the water for 5 months
2. I got a respiratory infection and missed one entire surf season (winter)
3. I got 3 herniated neck disks the next year and couldn't surf for 1.5 years and it was consecutive to #2 (that meant 2.5 yr w/o surf!)

You will have better fortune than me. I'm an old guy!
billie

billie_morini wrote:Heather,
Am sorry you've got an owie. I know you know it will take what it takes. Take heart:
1. I broke a rib surfing and was out of the water for 5 months
2. I got a respiratory infection and missed one entire surf season (winter)
3. I got 3 herniated neck disks the next year and couldn't surf for 1.5 years and it was consecutive to #2 (that meant 2.5 yr w/o surf!)

You will have better fortune than me. I'm an old guy!
billie

Bille, how did you stay sane?? I would have done my nut having to be out of the water for that long....mind you, i have only been surfing for 5 and a half months now so still have that newbie enthusiasm!

Another surfing rib cage pain discussion.

Oh, and welcome to the forum Love2ride

Thanks guys. Im just so totally bummed out not being out there in the line up today!! Pandarturo- Def will let ya know when I'm in Oahu!! My first real surf trip is Mexico Labor day weekend! Cant wait!!
Billie- WOW.... Yeah that's some crazy long time out of the water!! But you seem like a wise dude.. and you're here to comment.. lol so you made it through!
Thanks for the welcome!!
I'm super stoked and also have the newbie stoke bigtime. Ive been surfing only a month but w/ the hours Ive been putting in... its like 3 months! lol Plus I jog every day... Haven't been jogging which is messing w/ my mind too! The only solace I've found out of the water is chatting w/ good peeps like you all... or watching surf videos and just laying out on the beach or swimming in ocean. Ok my peas are thawing better throw em back in the freezer! lol
Aloha all! Catch some waves for me!!

There was a long discussion about this several years ago that I found. Most non-professional opinion was that it happens mostly to beginners, that it is caused by paddling incorrectly: either side to side movement or holding your neck up too high-which in theory puts additional pressure on the lower ribs, and/or striking the board too hard with the ribs when going over a wave.

I'm having the same problem and was looking for answers. It hurts so badly that I was second guessing the decision to invest in equipment. Many people said they had the same issue and were able to work through it eventually. Hopefully that is correct.

Yes. I too was able to work through it - it seems. I have been swimming a lot of laps in the pool trying to build endurance. I think it was partly that and partly being more cognizant of just not putting a lot of pressure on the lower ribs when mounting or paddling.

I was in the water every day last week with no new problems.

Depends on your paddling style, the board length and how skinny you are. I actually have calluses (I kid you not) on both sides where my lower ribs stick out. I think it's completely normal that your ribs hurt when you are surfing a lot. With anything, you get used to it. At least you are getting to surf a lot!

Just co-incidentally, for some reason I looked at this site today

https://www.dennopop.com/index.php

I cant even remember why, I think I was randomly following a link and I've never had chest pain (I probably surf wrong). So no idea whether its any good and, despite testimonials to the contrary, I'm not sure how it doesnt affect your pop up. But for what its worth.