Evaluating head and neck trauma in surfing: injuries and prevention in an Olympic sport

This scoping review of 25 studies (1976-2025) documents traumatic brain injuries in surfing, including concussions, skull fractures, and intracranial hemorrhages occurring at 0.8-1.9% prevalence in emergency department cohorts. The analysis reveals under-quantified neurotrauma risk and highlights gaps in surfing-specific helmet efficacy data and standardized return-to-play guidelines despite the sport's Olympic status.