As we put together this Fall 2014 Issue I am happy to report that interest in the field of surfing medicine has never been higher. Conferences run by the SMA and other organizations are plentiful and well attended, research projects in Hawaii, Europe and in the mainland US are blossoming, and community outreach projects and environmental programs continue to strive to make the world a better place.
Having participated in the second annual Acute Surfing Life Support conference put on by our European sister organization (EASD), I can personally attest to the fact that the quality of presentations and level of enthusiasm at surfing conferences these days is impressive. The SMA’s 29th annual Tavarua conference was sold out as usual (get the last remaining spot for 2015: ethan.wilson@comcast.net), and as I write these words, this winter’s Triple Crown Pipe Line Master’s Surfing Medicine conference run by SMA big kahuna, Clay Everline is taking place at Turtle Bay, HI.
Surf medicine also looms large when “surfing” the Internet. A Google search for “Surfing Injuries” reveals 5 citations in the peer-reviewed literature published between 2013 and 2014, and Surfline.com is bringing surf medicine to the masses by posting multi-part series “Surf Survival” largely based on the book by the same title written by a trio of SMA physicians, including yours truly.
Deep in the bowels of the laboratory, among the overpowering fumes of resin, surf-scientists have been busy pondering some of life’s greatest mysteries. What is the best way to treat a stingray sting? How can we most effectively document injuries at surf contests? How can we avoid nasty fin cuts? To learn the answers to these questions and others, read on.
Perhaps most importantly, the charitable works begun by the SMA some 30 years ago in Fijian villages of Momi and Nabila continue to help the local population of those small communities in a meaningful way. Through the hard work and dedication of Paula Smith, Ethan Wilson, and many others, Islanders are provided with eyeglasses, prescription medication, and screening exams for hypertension and diabetes. Scabies and smoking are being eradicated. Promising students are getting financial support to attend college.
Makes me proud to be a surfer.
With Much Aloha.
AN
