30 Must-Know Surfing Terms, Phrases and Slang

Catch the wave to cool with the ultimate surf speak that’s all about the sea!

If you’re stoked to ride the break or just dig the beach vibes, mastering these 30 essential surf terms will turn you from a kook to the rad ruler of the waves.

Ready to talk like a true surfer?

Paddle into the lineup; let’s dive in!

Must-Know Surfing Terms, Phrases and Slang:

1. Barrel
2. Break
3. Carve
4. Duck dive
5. Green room
6. Hang ten
7. Kook
8. Lineup
9. Nose
10. Offshore
11. Point break
12. Quiver
13. Rail
14. Rip current
15. Set
16. Swell
17. Tail
18. Tube
19. Wax
20. White water
21. Wipeout
22. Cutback
23. Drop in
24. Floater
25. Grom
26. Leash
27. Party wave
28. Shaka
29. Stoked
30. Tandem surfing

#1 Barrel

A barrel is a type of wave that is hollow when it breaks, creating a tube-like space that surfers aim to ride inside. The term refers to the cylindrical shape of the wave, as if enclosing the surfer in a barrel.

#2 Break

The break is where the wave starts to lose its energy and crashes, a spot favored by surfers for catching waves. There are various types of breaks, including beach, reef, and point breaks, each offering different conditions for surfing.

#3 Carve

Carving is a sharp, turning maneuver performed by surfers when riding a wave. It’s one of the foundational moves in surfing, showcasing a surfer’s ability to maintain speed and control while changing direction on the wave face.

#4 Duck Dive

Duck diving is a technique used by surfers to paddle out past breaking waves. The surfer pushes the board underwater and dives beneath the oncoming wave to avoid being pushed back toward the shore.

#5 Green Room

The green room is a slang term for the inside of a barrel on a wave, where the water surrounding the surfer appears green due to the sunlight filtering through. It’s a coveted spot that surfers aim to reach for an exhilarating experience.

#6 Hang Ten

To hang ten means to place all ten toes over the nose of the longboard while riding a wave. This maneuver is a classic longboarding move that demonstrates balance and skill in nose riding.

#7 Kook

A term used somewhat disparagingly in surfing culture to describe an inexperienced or disrespectful surfer who doesn’t follow the rules, etiquette, or simply doesn’t have good skills. It’s often used to point out someone who is trying hard but failing to catch waves effectively or safely.

#8 Lineup

The area where surfers wait for waves, positioned just outside where the waves are breaking. This is where surfers lineup to catch incoming waves, taking turns based on positioning and who has been waiting the longest. It requires understanding and following the local etiquette to maintain harmony in the water.

#9 Nose

The front tip of the surfboard, which is essential for proper positioning and maneuvering on a wave. The nose’s shape influences how the board tackles the water and can affect performance in various surfing conditions.

#10 Offshore

A type of wind that blows from the land out to sea, creating ideal surf conditions. Offshore winds help form clean, well-shaped waves by blowing against the incoming swells, allowing surfers to enjoy smoother rides.

#11 Point Break

A type of wave that breaks over a rocky point on the shoreline, usually providing a long, continuous ride. Point breaks are sought after for their predictable and well-formed waves, offering surfers the chance for extended maneuvers.

#12 Quiver

A collection of surfboards that a surfer owns, each designed for different wave conditions, sizes, and surfing styles. Having multiple boards ensures surfers are prepared for whatever the ocean throws their way.

#13 Rail

The edge of the surfboard that runs from nose to tail; important for turning and maneuvering. A board’s rail design helps dictate how it will carve through the water and respond during turns.

#14 Rip Current

A powerful, narrow channel of fast-moving water that flows away from the shore. Surfers must be cautious of rip currents because they can quickly pull swimmers out to deeper water, posing a safety risk.

#15 Set

In surfing, a “set” refers to a group of larger and more powerful waves that roll in one after the other, typically more desirable than the average waves. Sets are often anticipated by surfers in the lineup as they provide the best riding opportunities.

#16 Swell

A series of ocean waves that have traveled a long distance, driven by wind and storms out at sea. Swells are important in surfing because they determine the size and quality of waves at a surf spot. Surfers often check swell forecasts to predict good surfing conditions.

#17 Tail

The rear end of the surfboard which influences how the board maneuvers in the water. Different tail shapes can affect the board’s stability, speed, and how it turns on the waves.

#18 Tube

A cylindrical, hollow shape of a wave, prized by surfers for its beauty and difficulty. Surfers aim to get “tubed,” riding inside the wave’s curve, which is also called getting “barreled” or in the “green room.”

#19 Wax

The substance surfers apply to the top of their surfboard to ensure grip and prevent slipping off when wet. There are different types of wax for various water temperatures, and it’s essential for both performance and safety.

#20 White water

The frothy, bubbly water that appears after a wave breaks, often used by beginners for its gentler, more predictable movement. It’s less powerful than unbroken waves, making it perfect for learning how to stand up on the board.

#21 Wipeout

An unintentional fall from a surfboard caused by losing balance, being hit by a wave, or other mistakes. Wipeouts vary from mild to dramatic, and knowing how to handle them is a key part of surfing safely.

#22 Cutback

A surfing maneuver where the surfer turns sharply back towards the breaking part of the wave. This serves to maintain speed and positioning when surfing along the face of the wave that’s moving away from the wave’s power source.

#23 Drop in

In surfing, “drop in” is when a surfer takes a wave another surfer is riding, disrupting their path and violating wave priority rules. This can lead to collisions and is frowned upon for safety and respect in the surfing community.

#24 Cutback

A maneuver that involves a sharp turn back toward the breaking part of the wave, allowing the surfer to maintain speed and reposition on the wave. Cutbacks help surfers stay in the wave’s power zone for maximum performance.

#25 Floater

This move entails riding on the top of a breaking wave, temporarily defying gravity. It requires precise balance and timing, as the surfer ‘floats’ over the foam before re-entering the wave face below.

#26 Grom

A term affectionately used to describe a young and enthusiastic surfer, typically under the age of 16. Groms are known for their boundless energy and eagerness to improve their surfing skills.

#27 Leash

A crucial safety accessory that tethers a surfer’s ankle to their surfboard, preventing the board from being washed away by waves. It ensures the board stays close after a fall and reduces the risk of it hitting other surfers.

#28 Party wave

When multiple surfers ride the same wave simultaneously, often for fun and camaraderie. While it can be an enjoyable shared experience, it’s usually not encouraged in crowded lineups to avoid collisions.

#29 Shaka

A hand gesture synonymous with surf culture, where the thumb and pinkie finger are extended while the other fingers are curled. It conveys the Aloha spirit, meaning ‘hello,’ ‘goodbye,’ or ‘hang loose.’

#30 Stoked

A slang term in surfing that expresses a feeling of excitement and enthusiasm. To be stoked is to be thrilled about surfing conditions or simply the joy of surfing itself. It embodies the positive spirit of surfing culture.

FAQ