Like any sport, hobby or pastime, surfing has its own history, culture and language. For first-timers heading out to the lineup, it can be hard to understand the influx of new words and phrases about the conditions, the boards, maneuvers and other surfers in the water.. Understanding those words, however, is essential to learning the nuances of the sport, making connections in the ocean and ...
Popular Surfing Terms and Phrases: Alphabetical order. Now, without further ado, let’s get right to some of the most popular surfing terms and phrases out there: A. 1. Aggro. When a surfer is being visibly aggressive, they are called an “aggro.” Normally, you’d see such a surfer splashing and cursing. 2. Amped. Amped is a surfer slang ...
Surf slang is the dialogue that surfers use to explain everything surf related. With unique surfing terms to explain everything imaginable, it's become almost a dialect in its own right. The list of surfing lingo is long and random to say the least, but hopefully the mega list below will help to clarify things a little for you...
Slang from 1960's surf culture, cried out enthusiastically when surfing — The surfer's cry "Cowabunga" as they climb a 12 foot wall of water and "take the drop." Cranking. When the waves are good, it's said to be cranking. Cripples / Crips. Derogatory term for booger (see derogatory term above), knee of SUP boarders. Curtain
Big waves inspire both awe and a particular brand of surf lingo. Here’s the big wave surf slang: Bomb: a name for a big wave. Heavy: powerful, dangerous waves. Macking: large, powerful waves; similar to “firing” but more likely to describe big waves whereas “firing” could just mean the waves are good but not necessarily big. Maxed out: when the swell is so big that the waves it ...
By itself, surfing is already hard enough! If you don’t understand the lingo not only will the learning curve be steep, but you’ll also experience some unwanted frustrations and confusion during your time in the water. After a decade of surfing, I’ll be honest with you… Knowing how to properly use the term “cutback” will […]
100 Essential Surfing Slang Terms. Gnarly – Used to describe something extreme or challenging, usually a tough wave or surf condition.; Hang Ten – A surfing maneuver where the surfer places all ten toes over the nose of the board.; Shred – To surf with skill and style, typically used to describe someone riding a wave aggressively or fluidly.; Stoked – A term used to express excitement ...
Use surf slang naturally. Share the stoke, celebrate epic rides, and laugh off wipeouts—but skip the cheesy clichés that scream “kook.” And always respect the lineup, the locals, and the ocean itself. So next time you’re amped for a dawn patrol sesh or just cruising with friends, drop a little surf slang into your chat.
In the world of surf slang, knowing what it means to 'drop-in' or being labeled a 'wave hog' is crucial for understanding proper wave etiquette and sharing the surf stoke with other surfers. ... Terms used: Explore the various expressions and phrases commonly used by surfers worldwide. Offshore winds: Understand the impact of offshore winds on ...
What is surf slang? Surf slang refers to the unique terms, phrases, and lingo used by surfers to describe aspects of surfing and surf culture. It includes surf terms like "shred," "epic waves," and "hang ten" as well as surfer lingo like "dude" and "cowabunga." The glossary of surfing terms contains hundreds of examples of surf lingo.
D. Dawn patrol – Waking up early to go and surf, usually around sunrise.. Deck – Top of the surfboard, the part that you wax and stand on when surfing.. Deep – When a surfer is far behind the ideal place they should be to ride the wave.. Devil wind – When the wind blows offshore but blows in the opposite direction to the wave breaking and makes it difficult to surf.
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.
Rad/Radical - slang for awesome and impressive surfing, indicating a high level of skill. Rails - the sides of the surfboard. Rail bang - an incident where a surfer's board is accidentally taken between the legs while falling. It can also refer to one surfer's board hitting another surfer's board on the rail while riding a wave.
Ripper, pumping, tubes, if you’re not ‘down with the lingo’ surfing terms, phrases and slang can seem like another language entirely. And you’re not wrong, surfing culture has adopted its very own special vocabulary when it comes to describing the art of riding waves.
A surfing term used to describe the surface of the water when it is calm and smooth, with little to no wind or waves. Gnarly “Gnarly” is a surfing slang term used to describe something that is extreme or dangerous, particularly in the context of surfing. It can refer to the size or power of waves, or the difficulty of a particular surf spot.
Surfer lingo as we know it emerged in the 1950s and 1960s as a way for surfers to communicate and bond within their close-knit community. Originating primarily in the surf hotspots of California and Hawaii, surf slang developed organically to describe surfing experiences, waves, surfboards, and the surfing lifestyle.
This definitive illustrated guide includes almost 300 surfing terms, so you can use the lingo with confidence. A-frame: A perfectly shaped wave breaking both left and right (shown in the header for this page). Aerial: A surf manoeuver where the surfer hits the crest of the wave and soars through the air.
By using slang specific to their sport, surfers pay homage to the rich history and traditions of surfing, passing down these terms from generation to generation. In essence, surf slang is more than just a fun way to communicate; it’s a way to celebrate the passion, camaraderie, and love for the ocean that unites surfers worldwide.
