Big wave surfing pushes human limits — physically, mentally, and neurologically. This winter, a new research initiative led by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Department of Neurology is conducting research into what happens to the brain and body when surfers face the planet’s most extreme ocean conditions. The study spans seven months, from August 2025 to March 2026, capturing the full swell season. Research is based in California, USA — a global hub for big wave surfing and surf culture.
A Collaborative Effort in Athlete Brain Health
The study is being conducted by UCLA’s Department of Neurology, with a focus on behavioral and sports neurology. It’s part of the university’s BrainSPORT and Neurobehavior programs, which aim to advance scientific understanding of how athletes perform and recover under high-stress and high-impact conditions.
Scope of the Study
Big wave surfing demands intense physical exertion and exposes athletes to unpredictable ocean dynamics and powerful wipeouts. To better understand the toll this takes, researchers are using wearable technology to monitor surfers throughout the season.
A select group of surfers will be outfitted with HIT devices that measure impact and rotational forces during wipeouts, both above and below the water. During big wave events, researchers will record wipeouts, rate their severity, and track head impacts in real time.
This data will be analyzed to uncover patterns in recovery, performance, and injury risk. By comparing big wave surfing days to regular days, the study aims to highlight the true physiological demands of how impact forces relate to recovery.
Watch the Activation
To see the technology in action, check out our activation videos below. These clips show how HIT devices are integrated into the study and how data is collected during live surf events.