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SATURDAY, July 24 (HealthDayNews) -- Windsurfing is a popular sport that puts you at one with the wind and the water.

All you have to do is make sure you don't also become at one with the emergency room.

The California Department of Boating and Waterways offers some guidelines for safe windsurfing.

First, like any sailor, windsurfers should study local water conditions and wind patterns, and pick a locale that matches their ability. Beginning windsurfers should stick to protected waters, and watch for unexpected winds that can pick up quickly on a small lake or river. Check wind direction. Listen to weather reports. When in doubt, don't go out.

Before you sail, practice unrigging and furling, or rolling up, the sail while on the water. This is so that if the winds become too strong when sailing, you can furl the sail, take down the mast and center it on the board while you paddle to safety.

Beware of other boat traffic. The U.S. Coast Guard considers a sailboard a vessel and its operator responsible for obeying the rules of the waterways, so windsurfers can be fined for violations. Stay out of the way of other boats, especially big vessels that can't stop or turn quickly if you sail across their bows. Be cautious, too, around high-powered motorboats.

The California Department of Boating and Waterways strongly urges windsurfers to wear life jackets, especially if they are new to the sport. Check your local ordinances to see if they're required where you live.

The two most common injuries sustained in windsurfing are head injuries from the falling rig of the sailboard, and ankle and foot injuries from getting your foot stuck in the foot straps on the board. If you capsize, try to protect your head with your arms and make sure the foot strap is loose enough to release your foot.

More information

To find out more about windsurfing, visit US Windsurfing.

(SOURCE: California Department of Boating and Waterways )

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