Ever been scorpioned while surfing?

There are many types of wipeouts: ragdoll, log doll, even a yard sale. But the scorpion is a wipeout you won’t forget. Have you ever been scorpioned while surfing?

Why do we call it a scorpion?

Scorpion describes a painful wipeout where the surfer’s back arches and their head nearly touches their feet as they are knocked off their board, resembling the shape of a scorpion. Imagine, your legs go over your head, your toes kiss the back of it, and you’re never the same.

While not causing instant injuries, a scorpion position may lead to silent damage, and lead to hyperextensions, herniated discs, spondylolisthesis (means spinal slippage where one of the vertebrae in your spine slips out of place). I actually originally read it as spinal spillage which was way more fun. You can also experience long-term pain without obvious trauma.

How to avoid and recover from a scorpion

In short, don’t get scorpioned. How to avoid it?

Well, it’s not something you can ever fully control.  In short, become a better surfer. The “scorpions” can happen fast and for different reasons—pearling, late drops, over-the-falls, or even just losing balance can get you scorpioned.

From the community of scorpion veterans, here’s what actually helps in recovery:

• Move. Walk. Swim. Don’t just lie around—that makes it worse.
• Core, not crunches. Inner core, glutes, Pilates. Your real surfing muscles.
• See someone. Don’t wait 6 months limping around pretending you’re fine.
• Listen to your pain—but don’t obey it blindly.

And finally–don’t get scorpioned!

Author: The Wipeout Weekly team