Risks of breaking nose during surfing. Beginner

[iwish]

Hello guys,

at first I would like to apologise for such a stupid question but I am newbie to surfing so I hope you will understand. First time in my life I am living near the ocean, I started to go to beach regulery and I have to say I love to watch people surfing and would like to try it. It just seems so peaceful to me and since I changed my life perspective very much and I am basically starting new life I would really like to try surfing.

However I was in pretty bad accident few years ago where my nose was broken and I had to have total nasal reconstruction. Now my nose is made from new cartillage which were taken from all over the body and I am not sure if I will be able to surf due to this. I would say I am really good swimmer but how big is a chance that a board or wave will hit me so much that it would broke my nose? Does it happen often? And if yes are there some tips how can I protect myself from this?

Thank you so much

[jaktequila]

I'm sure it happens but as far as I know not to any of the people I know. As long as you have a habit of covering your head with your arms after a wipeout you should be safer than doing nothing. I still remember getting hit by my surfboard right on my cheek. It came back to my face not even fast at all but I still felt like I was punched! Hurt like hell.

The only protection I can think of is a sport protective mask.

[RonG]

I've done it. Bad shore dump, just trying to get out of the water, successfully evaded one body-slammer and the one right behind it nailed me. Not even sure exactly what happened, my board and I got thrown into the same blender and I got smacked right on the bridge of my nose.

I guess all I can say is be careful, cover face and head as much as you can when you can, and know your limitations. But stuff happens, and I doubt there's any way to reduce the risk to zero.

[garbarrage]

The risk is no greater than any other physical sport. It can be chaotic at times, but a mix of good judgement and awareness can counter-act this most of the time. As has been said, get into the habit of covering your head when you fall and you should be fine.

[jaffa1949]

I've broken my nose three times surfing, knee to nose in big surf top turns and twice playing rugby union. I've had reconstruction and haven't broken it since.

Come up hands up around head, but which ever way you look there are risks of injury and death, but the occurrences are low.
Ar ya feeling lucky You could trip on the pavement or someone could open a door. GO SURFING

[surf patrol]

I've seen it a few times from beginners who walk their board out hold their board out infront of them to jump over the incoming broken wave. Board gets pushed back straight into face - ouch. Avoid at all costs

[Jimi]

I've broken my nose on the tail of my board, and broken the tail of my board on my nose. The latter bugged me more.

Also, as said, cover your face and head in a wipeout and you greatly reduce the odds of a board face incident.

I took a confidence hit after walking up the beach leaving a trail of blood, and stopped trying to tuck into the closeout at the end of beachies.. I'd say though that if you're careful, you can avoid it. I was being pretty reckless at the time.