Off with another broken rib.
I was trying to figure out how it happened.
I'm learning to wing and did it trying to start in shallow onshore conditions.
I thought I did it clambering on all the time. Then I remembered I tried to paddle out into deeper water and had a sharp pain in my rib. I didn't try paddling after that as it was too painful.
I had a hard plastic gadget in the front pocket ( thermometer, compass,whistle) which must have done the damage as I plonked myself onto the board.
Probably less likely sailboarding but it could still be an issue if your chest connects with the equipment.
Don't carry solid objects in the pockets .
Grr . I'm angry at myself for stuffing up the season with such a silly thing. Usually it's impact onto the carbon boom that breaks them.
Good point. Pockets on vests are generally not well designed for active watersports, but can be very useful to carry certain items we might need. I created custom pockets for mine and attached them (inside the vest) at the front of each shoulder. I find that they don't get in the way there at all & I figured it's almost impossible to fall on them there! PLB on one side, key + option of cellphone or other useful bits on other side.
Get well soon, Sue, and don't go breaking ribs anymore.
Yeah avoid using front pockets. My PLB is in the back, still not great but much safer I think.
Never carry potentially dangerous (sharp) objects like old car keys! I've seen folks wearing them on a lanyard under their wetsuits, same applies to pockets, so dangerous!
Have you had your bone density checked recently. Breaking a rib in this manner shouldn't really happen.
Select to expand quoteptsf1111 said..
Yeah avoid using front pockets. My PLB is in the back, still not great but much safer I think.
Never carry potentially dangerous (sharp) objects like old car keys! I've seen folks wearing them on a lanyard under their wetsuits, same applies to pockets, so dangerous!
Whoops..I wear my car opening key around my neck..I'll be paranoid now. 
Select to expand quoteptsf1111 said..
Yeah avoid using front pockets. My PLB is in the back, still not great but much safer I think.
Never carry potentially dangerous (sharp) objects like old car keys! I've seen folks wearing them on a lanyard under their wetsuits, same applies to pockets, so dangerous!
Whoops..I wear my car opening key around my neck..I'll be paranoid now.
Select to expand quoteJohn340 said..
Have you had your bone density checked recently. Breaking a rib in this manner shouldn't really happen.
In 2022 when I broke my wrist the Dr said I had great bone density.
It's the left side rib and I've got to get up quite high into my van. To avoid hurting myself I've been grabbing the roof at the front with my right hand and hauling myself up.A few days ago the wind blew the door shut and jammed my wrist in the gap..@$#%! It was caught straight across the narrow part.
I expected the bones to be shattered, but despite extreme pain, it survived without even a bruise.
I'm going to get a test but I imagine if I didn't have decent bones my wrist would have been destroyed by such an impact.
Sorry to hear Sue. Will be hard to sleep. Every time you move...
I once cracked a rib, went to a GP and told him "I may have cracked a rib", so he sent me to have xrays. 5 xrays later, went back to the same GP, who looked at the xrays, scratched his head and said: "you may have cracked a rib"
Only cost me $700 in total. 
Took about 6 weeks to heal.
Select to expand quoteObelix said..
Sorry to hear Sue. Will be hard to sleep. Every time you move...
I once cracked a rib, went to a GP and told him "I may have cracked a rib", so he sent me to have xrays. 5 xrays later, went back to the same GP, who looked at the xrays, scratched his head and said: "you may have cracked a rib"
Only cost me $700 in total.
Took about 6 weeks to heal.
I always get followed up if I suspect rib issues. I want to know if it's intercostal muscles ( some have been) or fractures..
I went sailboarding for 1.30hrs on the big gear the day after. I figured I'd done it clambering onto my board so as I could beachstart at Budgy I'd be ok.
Only 1-2/10 ache after.
Now I know it's a slightly displaced fracture I won't be taking any risks..I don't want it getting worse and puncturing things. Luckily my tests are bulkbilled.
I'm getting a bone density test today but I don't expect any issues.
Here is what I think was the culprit..
I put my foot in for size. It's chunky and solid hard plastic.
Sorry to hear about your ribs ??
Around 30 years I broke ribs looping and couple years later snowboarding so I know the pain and to avoid coughing, sneezing, laughing 
I'm another that has a key on rope around my neck and underneath my wetsuit. I'm not going to do that anymore 
Can you tie your whistle on and maybe stick on velcro to stop it swinging?
Injuries suck but don't rush getting back and fully recover to enjoy time on water
Select to expand quote515 said..
Sorry to hear about your ribs ??
Around 30 years I broke ribs looping and couple years later snowboarding so I know the pain and to avoid coughing, sneezing, laughing
I'm another that has a key on rope around my neck and underneath my wetsuit. I'm not going to do that anymore
Can you tie your whistle on and maybe stick on velcro to stop it swinging?
Injuries suck but don't rush getting back and fully recover to enjoy time on water
Think I'll give the whistle a miss.You probably wouldn't be able to hear it out on the water..
I've learnt the hardway not to go back too soon. It's a bummer that it's too hot to really do much other than watersports.
That's unlucky, I wish you a speedy recovery.
As other have said, I'm also surprised that you would crack a rib without having a proper crash, even with an object in a pocket. I've only cracked a rib ones, it was in a snowboard accident when I landed very hard on my own fist. But that was a violent crash where I was happy I got away with only a cracked rib...
Select to expand quoteJohn340 said..
Have you had your bone density checked recently. Breaking a rib in this manner shouldn't really happen.
was literally thinking a similar thing.
Grr. Just got the bone density test back.
As explained by the Dr there is normal bone density, thinning and osteoporosis. So some of my bones are in between, some have osteoporosis.
Hips are OK but lower spine/ ribs osteoporosis.
Apparently older females get the problem as oestrogen is less so bone density decreases.
Got to get a 6 monthly injection to slow it down.
Have to avoid heavy lifting so I'll need to be careful with the 130ltre 80cm wide wing board and 125ltre Tabou..They're a pain to lift into the van.
I suppose the good side is I have an excuse to not lift firewood or do any heavy fencing around the property.
So no solid items in the impact vest for me.
I was just congratulating myself on not having had a decent crash windsurfing for a few seasons..
Select to expand quotejn1 said..
You're going to have to start drinking 300 mega litres of milk SB
I'll have to research supplements and how you can improve things.
If you're adding salt in your meals, then cut that out of your cooking. Salt is very bad for the bones.
Select to expand quotejn1 said..
If you're adding salt in your meals, then cut that out of your cooking. Salt is very bad for the bones.
No I don't add salt.
Select to expand quotejn1 said..
If you're adding salt in your meals, then cut that out of your cooking. Salt is very bad for the bones.
and replace with bromide, right? 
Not sure, but when I was about 30, a GP explained to me how the body removes calcium and salt from the body. So, I took his advice, and threw away my table salt. I've always been a big milk drinker. I drink about 5 litres a week, but now days low fat milk. I've never had a broken bone. The only issue is a dicky L/H calcaneus bone I did in a few years ago when "coming in hot" and missing a duck gybe in the shallows. I don't think I broke it, but banged up enough to give me mild pains still. I believe that's a common kite surfing injury ?
Getting 6 monthly injections , taking Ostelin Cal - DK2 + Mg..going to get an exercise program from the chiro I've been seeing for 30 years to help build up things. My bushwalking and cycling mean the hips and legs aren't too bad .
I suppose it's good to know about it as now I know to work on it.
I hope I can learn to wing without anymore problems.
Pity I'm off injured and losing upper body strength. I won't be able to work on that until the rib is ok.
Best of luck. Hopefully a quick recovery now issue has been identified. I've had a few serious health issues over 10 years. I solve one, and new issue comes. Solve that, and new one comes. All apart of getting old, and making body go as long as it can in order to enjoy life. My goal is not to cripple myself before retirement.
Select to expand quotejn1 said..
Best of luck. Hopefully a quick recovery now issue has been identified. I've had a few serious health issues over 10 years. I solve one, and new issue comes. Solve that, and new one comes. All apart of getting old, and making body go as long as it can in order to enjoy life. My goal is not to cripple myself before retirement.
Yep.. I try and enjoy my time on the water as much as I can before the next op or injury..
Less focus on results and more on fun 
has been my moto since I broke my wrist..
