“Barrel” – you think you know what it means? Well, not at all!
Welcome to the world of surfing, where the vocabulary is as dynamic and unpredictable as the waves themselves. Understanding the unique lingo is crucial for fully immersing yourself in the culture. The first time you hear a surfer speak, you might feel like you’re hearing a different language.
Words like “barrel,” “cutback,” and “amped” might sound familiar, but their meanings in the surf world can be quite different from what you’d expect!
Let’s dive into some of the most common surfing terms and slang to help you navigate the surf scene with confidence.
Aerial – In everyday language, an aerial might just be something high up, but in surfing, it refers to an advanced maneuver where the surfer and their board leave the wave and perform a trick in the air before landing back on the wave.
A-Frame – No, this isn’t about architecture. An A-frame in surfing is a wave with a peak that breaks both left and right, creating a triangular shape perfect for two surfers to ride simultaneously.
Amped – Feeling excited or full of energy? In surfing, being “amped” means you’re super excited and ready to hit the waves with all the enthusiasm you can muster.
Barrel – While you might think of a barrel as something to store liquid, in surfing, it’s the hollow part of the wave that surfers aim to ride through. Also known as “the green room,” it’s every surfer’s dream ride.
Beach Break – This might sound like a simple day at the beach, but a beach break actually refers to waves that break over a sandy bottom, creating ideal conditions for surfers.
Cutback – If someone tells you to cut back, they might be asking you to slow down, but in surfing, a cutback is a sharp turn back toward the breaking wave, often used to stay in the wave’s power zone.
Dawn Patrol – This isn’t about law enforcement. Dawn patrol refers to surfers who hit the waves just before sunrise, enjoying the quiet and often perfect conditions before the crowds arrive.
Duck Dive – Ever tried to avoid something? In surfing, a duck dive is a technique used to dive under an oncoming wave while paddling out to the surf, allowing the surfer to avoid getting pushed back toward the shore.
Eskimo Roll or Turtle Roll – This isn’t a special dish. The Eskimo roll, or turtle roll, is a technique used by longboarders to roll their board over, allowing a wave to pass over them without pushing them back.
Fin – Hearing “fin” might make you think of a fish, and you’re not far off. In surfing, it’s a warning call when someone spots a shark in the water. It’s also the name for the fins attached to the bottom of the surfboard, crucial for steering.
Glassy – If you think of glass, you think smooth, and that’s exactly what it means in surfing. Glassy conditions are when the ocean surface is smooth and calm, making for ideal surfing.
Kick Out – This isn’t about leaving. In surfing, to kick out is to exit the wave by riding over the top of it, allowing you to safely end your ride.
Wipe Out – In general, wiping out means falling over or failing spectacularly. In surfing, it’s when a surfer falls off their board, often in dramatic fashion.
Now, You Sound Cool!
Learning these terms is just the beginning. Surfing has its own vibrant culture and language, and the more you immerse yourself, the more you’ll understand. Knowing the lingo will help you feel like part of the tribe!