Monitoring Impact in Big Wave Surfing
Big wave surfing pushes human limits — physically, mentally, and neurologically. This winter, a research initiative led by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Department of Neurology is examining what happens to the brain and body when surfers face some of 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.
Advancing Athlete Brain Health Research
The study is conducted by UCLA’s Department of Neurology, with a focus on behavioural and sports neurology. It forms part of the university’s BrainSPORT and Neurobehavior programs, which aim to deepen 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 these effects, researchers are using wearable impact-monitoring technology throughout the season.
A select group of surfers are outfitted with wearable devices (HIT Connect) that measure impact and rotational forces during wipeouts, both above and below the water. During big wave events, researchers record wipeouts, assess their severity, and track head impacts in real time.
The resulting data will be analysed to identify patterns in recovery, performance, and injury risk. By comparing big wave conditions to regular surf sessions, the study aims to better understand the physiological demands of the sport and how impact forces relate to recovery.
Video: Data Collection in the Field
The following videos show how wearable devices are used during live surf conditions and how data is collected in real time.