The aim of this paper was to determine the type and frequency of injuries in kiteboarding, and to define causes of injuries in recreational and professional athletes engaged in kiteboarding. The research was conducted on the sample of 93 kiteboarders, of which 74 were male and 19 were female. Online questionnaire was applied with clearly defined completing instructions. In overall sample of examinees (93), there were 51 who were injured during kiteboarding. Out of total percentage of injured (54.8%), as many as 30.1% had more than one injury. Depending on the method of initial learning and training, 70% of examinees who were self-taught were injured, among those who were taught by a friend with kiteboarding experience 68.18% were injured, then there were 58.82% of injured among those who passed the kiteboarding course with an instructor without a valid license, and, finally, the smallest percentage of injured, 43,18%, among those who took the kiteboarding course with an instructor having a valid license. The most frequent injuries are foot and knee injuries (59.65%) and more than half of injuries (57.91%) is related to strains of ligaments and muscles. Most of the injuries happen during the performance of more advanced technical elements, particularly jumps (33.3 %), while the second most frequent cause of injuries is insufficient kite control (23.7%). Kiteboarders taught by licensed instructors had the smallest risk of injury, while the greatest risk of injury was for self-taught individuals. Mentioned data clearly suggests how important it is to take a verified course with educated instructors to reduce the risk of injuries to a minimum.

Faculty of Kinesiology University of Zagreb Zagreb Croatia

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