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Glossary of Surfing Terms

A

Aerial : A manoeuvre where the surfer and board leave the surface of the wave and return.

A-frame : A wave that breaks symmetrically on both sides, forming an "A".

B

Backdoor : Surfing inside the tube by entering through the most critical section of the wave.

Beach Break : A wave that breaks over a sandy bottom.

Bottom Turn : The first turn at the bottom of the wave after the drop.

C

Carve : A wide, powerful turn on the face of the wave.

Closeout : A wave that breaks along its entire length at once, making it unrideable

Creek : A small stream or river flowing into the ocean, often creating good waves.

D

Dawn Patrol : A surf session early in the morning, often before sunrise.

Drop : The act of descending the face of the wave after catching it.

Duck Dive : A technique for diving under an oncoming wave with the board to pass it.

E

End Section : The final part of the wave before it closes out.

Eskimo Roll : See "Turtle Roll".

F

Face :The unbroken, smooth part of the wave.

Fin : The fin(s) underneath the surfboard for stability and direction.

G

Gnarly : Term used to describe impressive and challenging waves, or an intense situation.

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H

Hang Ten : A manoeuvre where the surfer places all ten toes over the nose of the board.

Heavy : A very powerful and difficult wave.

K

Kook : A derogatory term for an inexperienced surfer or someone ignorant of surfing etiquette.

L

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Leash : A cord attached to the board and the surfer’s ankle to prevent losing the board.

Lineup : The area out to sea where surfers wait for waves.

Lip : The crest of the wave as it breaks.

M

Mushy : A soft, weak wave lacking power.

N

Nose : The front tip of the surfboard.

O

Off the Lip : A manoeuvre where the surfer hits the top of the wave.

Offshore Wind : Wind blowing from the land to the sea, making the waves cleaner.

P

Peak : The highest point of the wave where it starts to break.

Point Break : A wave that breaks along a rocky point.

Pop-Up : The movement of standing up quickly on the board after catching a wave.

R

Rail : The edge of the surfboard.

Reef Break : A wave that breaks over a reef.

S

Section : A specific part of a wav.

Set : A group of waves arriving together.

Shaka : A hand gesture meaning hello or thank you, commonly used by surfers.

Shore Break : Waves breaking very close to the shore.

Shortboard : A short, manoeuvrable surfboard.

Shoulder : The less critical part of the wave, next to the peak.

Stoked : A term expressing excitement and joy for surfing.

Surf camp : Surf camp, that is to say a facility that offers stays focused on the practice of surfing. These camps are generally located near beaches known for their good surfing conditions..

Swell : A series of waves generated by distant winds.

T

Take off : The act of standing up on the board and starting to surf the wave

Thruster : A surfboard with three fins.

Tide : The sea level influenced by the moon, important for surfing conditions.

Tombstoning : When the board stands vertically in the water after a wipeout, indicating the surfer is underwater.

Turtle Roll : A technique for passing a wave by rolling under the board.

W

Wetsuit : A neoprene suit worn to keep warm in cold water.

Whitewater : The foamy part of the wave after it has broken.

Wipeout : Falling off the surfboard after losing control.