Thrills and Spills: Staying Safe on Jet Skis and Wakeboards

Summer in the Pacific Northwest means it's time to get out on the water. Whether you're carving across Lake Washington on a wakeboard or powering through waves on a jet ski, there's nothing quite like the adrenaline of high-speed adventure.

But along with the excitement comes risk. The same physics that make these sports exhilarating can also be unforgiving on your body. When falls happen—and they do—it's common to experience injuries that need professional care.

Common Injuries on the Water

Here are a few of the most frequent orthopedic injuries we see from jet skiing and wakeboarding:

✅ Shoulder Injuries
Sudden impact with the water or awkward landings can strain or tear the rotator cuff, dislocate the shoulder, or cause labral injuries. These often show up as persistent pain, weakness, or limited range of motion.

✅ Wrist Sprains and Fractures
Gripping handles and bracing for falls put tremendous force on your wrists. A hard landing can result in sprains or broken bones that make even simple tasks challenging.

✅ Spinal Compression
High-speed crashes or jumps can compress the spine, leading to back pain, herniated discs, or more serious injuries. Even if symptoms seem mild at first, it's important to have them evaluated.

✅ Knee and Ankle Strains
Rotational forces during sharp turns and jumps can put stress on ligaments and tendons, sometimes resulting in sprains or tears.

When to See an Orthopedic Specialist

Many minor aches improve with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relief. But if you experience:

• Severe or persistent pain

• Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs

• Weakness or instability in a joint

• Difficulty moving without pain

…it's time to have your injury assessed by an orthopedic expert.

At Proliance Orthopedic Associates, our physicians treat everything from ligament sprains to fractures and spine injuries. We understand how important it is to get back on the water—and back to the activities you love—as safely and quickly as possible.

Recover with Confidence

If your summer adventure didn't go as planned, you're not alone. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons and specialists are here to guide you through recovery every step of the way, so you can return stronger and more confident.