WHITEWATER INJURY
SURVEY

 FINALLY THE RESULTS ARE IN!!  

Welcome to the Whitewater Injury Survey.  As a Family Practice physician and a Physical Therapist we are interested in learning more about acute and chronic injuries in the whitewater paddling community. As members of the Washington Kayak Club (WKC), and active paddlers here in Washington State we have found little published information on the incidence and types of injuries that paddlers experience. The American Whitewater gathers information on deaths or near death accidents. Our survey  has gathered information on general injuries that occur to all of us not necessarily related to a near death experience.  The initial data collection is finished, but we would like continue gathering data for future analysis.   The deadline is past for entry into the Lottery Drawing, but any additional surveys completed would be greatly appreciated.   We have completed the data analysis and have submitted the results for publication.   You may review the findings by going to the RESULTS section.  (All information presented on this website and related information pertaining to "Whitewater Injury Survey" is copy write protected and cannot be published or reproduced without permission from the authors. )

We are asking whitewater community to continue to participate in gathering  data on paddle injuries. We hope the data collected would be of value to all of us as paddlers and the medical community. There are several reasons why injuries may be on a rise. Here's a few:

• The sport is growing quickly, with novices advancing more rapidly than in the past.

• Harder runs are being run more often, and by more people, i.e. Creek boating.

• Changes in kayak design which allow for aggressive play and rodeo moves.

The survey is meant for whitewater paddlers including kayakers, C-1, C-2, and open canoe. It is not meant for those who only paddle flat water, raft, or inflatable kayaks. The form looks long, but is formatted for quick easy answers. We anticipate 10- 15 minutes of your time is needed. Navigate to the INSTRUCTION page for details on completing the survey, than to the SURVEY.   

We will protect any personal data provided. Published results of this survey will include only statistical information - no names or personal information etc. No information will be kept on the World Wide Web. Only name and date are required for personal information, but we would appreciate contact information for further details if needed, and if you are willing to participate in future surveys. 

Future studies may include an injury registry to track changes long term and could help to evaluate:

• If bent shaft paddles really spare wrist tendonitis?

• How do those with shoulder dislocation fare in the long run?

• Do racers have more problems or less with their rigorous training?

What other questions could be studied? We're sure we all could come up with some.