1417 - Helmet Use Rates and Modifying Factors in Para Surfing

Surfer demographics, International Surfing Association (ISA) Para classification, and helmet use during the World Para Surfing Championships were collected using archived competition videos from 2020-2023. Chi Squared and independent t-tests were used for comparisons between helmeted and non-helmeted athletes over time, by sex and by ISA Para classification (alpha=0.05).

Results: Data was collected on 559 athletes [Male: n=381, (68.2%); Female: n=178 (31.8%)]. Helmet use significantly increased from 2020 (9.3%) to 2022 (28.0%; Chi²=8.989, p=0.003) with a non-significant decrease observed in 2023 (20.9%; Chi²=1.045, p=0.307). No differences were observed in helmet use by sex (Male=21.3%, Female=17.1%; Chi²=0.776, p=0.378). Helmeted surfers were younger for both Male (Helmet=35.3+/-10.8yrs, No Helmet=38.3+/-11.1yrs, p=0.044) and Female (Helmet=25.3+/-9.4yrs, No Helmet=30.5+/-11.0yrs, p=0.025) surfers. The greatest percentage of helmet use was observed in Prone 2 surfers (65.6%, p’s< 0.05) followed by VI 1 (37.1%), Kneel (17.4%), and Prone 1 (13.3%) surfers.

Conclusions: Helmet use among Para surfers has tripled in recent years, particularly among younger athletes. The non-significant decrease in helmet use in 2023 could be due to a change in venue location which may have decreased the size and strength of the waves. Para surfers who require additional assistance in the water, such as paddling into waves and safely returning to their boards like those in the Prone 2 and VI 1 classifications had higher rates of helmet use. Future research should examine Para surfers’ attitudes and perceptions of helmet use to further understand the factors influencing their decision-making and promote safety practices tailored to their needs.