Wipeouts

Wipeout is a term used to describe a fall, crash, or loss of balance in various physical activities, particularly in extreme or action sports. It denotes an unintended, often dramatic, disengagement from momentum that results in contact with the ground, water, or equipment. Wipeouts can range from minor tumbles to serious injuries, and the term is employed across sports such as surfing, snowboarding, skateboarding, mountain biking, motocross, kayaking, and windsurfing. The word can also be used metaphorically to describe a failure or collapse in other domains.

In surfing, a wipeout occurs when a rider is knocked off balance by a cresting wave or collides with the board or seabed. Injuries can include cuts, concussions, or impact with shallow reefs or rocks; protective equipment and soft-landing practices are used to mitigate risk. In snow sports, wipeouts happen from high speed, icy or uneven surfaces, hidden obstacles, or misjudged landings. Skateboarding and BMX involve wipes during tricks when balance is lost or landings are miscalculated. Motorized disciplines carry risk from vehicle speed, terrain, and collisions.

Prevention emphasizes preparation, skill progression, proper equipment, and environmental assessment. Helmets, pads, and appropriate footwear reduce injury severity; warming up, conditioning, and practicing fall techniques help. Wipeouts are also prominent in sports media, where dramatic clips illustrate risk and adrenaline, while in non-sport contexts the term simply denotes a major failure.