By the end of my 20s, I pretty much hung up the fins for good. No more bodysurfing for me.

The size and power of the waves where I bodysurfed ("The Wedge" in Newport, CA) just wasn't conducive to retaining use of my neck, shoulders, etc. Got "maytagged" a couple of times, hard, and that's when I was in strong, stellar shape for such pummelling. Glad I gave it up then. Can't imagine taking such a pounding these days.

Back then, on a few occasions I had the knees strained from all the slamming. Once or twice, the back muscles were achy for a few days from having to eject from a big wave. Never did get injured, really. But came close on countless occasions, walking away with just minor aches and pains.

As you say, a body can get really torqued out of alignment if the "right" wave does the wrong thing.