Surfing is not rugby, but boards and the ocean still hurt. Most injuries are minor and preventable—fin knocks, bruises, sore shoulders, sunburn. A few need urgent care. This is the prevention list locals wish everyone read before the first session, whether you rent soft-tops or bring glass.
Fin cuts and board impacts
Soft-top rentals reduce some risks compared to sharp rails and glassed fins, but fins still cut, and collisions still hurt.
Prevention:
- Protect your head on wipeouts — arms up, cover face if tumbling
- Don’t ditch your board toward others; surf etiquette is also injury prevention
- Learn fall angles away from the board trajectory
First aid: Rinse with clean water, apply pressure to bleeding, elevate if practical. Deep cuts, spurting blood, or embedded debris → urgent care.
Reef rash — less relevant in Aljezur, but not zero
Most nearby learner-friendly peaks are sand bottom. You can still get rash from wax, knees on the deck, or occasional rocks at certain ends of beaches.
Prevention: Well-fitting rash vest, trimmed nails, and not crawling across rough shore cobbles in thin lycra.
Muscle strains: neck, shoulders, lower back
Paddling loads the rotator cuff and thoracic spine. Arching constantly without core support irritates lower backs.
Prevention:
- Warm up — see our companion piece on pre-surf stretches and warmups
- Limit session length on day one — holiday heroes on day seven pay on day two
- Swap prone position with short beach breaks; stretch hip flexors after
If pain is sharp, one-sided, or radiates down the arm, stop surfing and seek assessment.
Shoulder impingement and overuse
Repeated overhead paddling irritates tendons. Beginners who fight through every whitewater set are prime candidates.
Prevention: Technique coaching, smaller days, and high elbows during paddle (coaches differ on nuance — get eyes on you). Rest days are training.
Wipeout injuries: sprains, contusions, eardrum trauma
Impact with sand can sprain ankles or jar knees. Slamming ear-first into water can hurt eardrums (rare but real).
Prevention: Fall flat when possible, surface with a hand in front of face for spacing, and never dive head-first into shallow shorebreak.
Sun exposure
300+ sunny days in the region is a marketing line and a dermatology warning. Water reflects UV.
Prevention:
- SPF 50 reapplied every two hours (more if rubbing wetsuit)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Hat and shade between sessions
- Eyes: quality polarised sunglasses on land; on water, use what works for you without compromising safety
Heat exhaustion is less talked about but real when walking long carries in black neoprene under midday sun — hydrate, rest, cool down.
Ear infections
Dirty water + micro-abrasions = otitis externa (“surfer’s ear” is a longer-term bone-growth issue from cold wind/water — different topic).
Prevention: Rinse ears with clean fresh water after sessions; dry gently. If pain persists, see a clinician.
When to see a doctor (red flags)
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Deformity or can’t bear weight after a jump/fall
- Confusion, repeated vomiting, or worsening headache after head impact
- Neck pain with tingling in limbs
- Infection signs: spreading redness, fever, pus
Nearest major hospital from Aljezur
For serious injuries, emergency services via 112 can direct you. Many visitors and residents are referred to larger facilities in Lagos (~30–45 minutes by car depending on traffic) for urgent orthopaedic or complex care — not a substitute for calling 112 if life-threatening.
Carry ID, EHIC/GHIC or insurance details, and know your blood thinners/allergies.
Stack prevention with skill building
Bad habits multiply injuries — beginner surf mistakes is worth a skim even if you’re not a “beginner” anymore.
Board choice matters for joint load: our what surfboard should I rent page maps 6'6–8'6 soft-tops to typical skill levels.
We rent soft-top boards + wetsuits (3/2 Jun–Sep, 4/3 Apr–May & Oct, 5/3 Nov–Mar) with free delivery to Aljezur, Arrifana, Vale da Telha, and Monte Clérigo (broader Costa Vicentina — ask case-by-case) — pricing · contact · hello@surfrental-aljezur.com · WhatsApp +31613262259.
Are soft-tops safer?
Generally yes for cuts from rails; you still need leash discipline and collision awareness.
What goes in a minimal surf first aid kit?
Sterile gauze, tape, small saline, antiseptic, pain relief you tolerate, sun cream, blister plasters for feet.
Should I surf with an infected cut?
No — especially near river mouths after rain. See water-quality notes in surfing in rain.
Is physiotherapy available locally?
Yes in the wider Algarve; for acute trauma, use 112 / ER first.