Part of the wave that has yet to break, trailing from the peak of the wave. Shred. Surf slang for surfer who is great at surfing. Single Fin. A surfboard with one fin, usually a longboard surfboard. Sketchy. Surfing in dangerous conditions. This can mean the waves are too big, are breaking too shallow, or are very unpredictable. Slot In
A surfboard designed specifically for surfing big waves. HANG FIVE. A longboard manoeuvre whereby a surfer hangs five toes over the nose of their board whilst riding a wave. HANG LOOSE "Hang loose" is a surfing phrase often associated with Hawaiian surf culture - a gesture of friendly intent represented by the shaka sign
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 ...
This is a surfer slang for weakened waves. G. 38. Getting Barrelled. Yet again, getting barrelled is a follow-up term for the barrel wave. As you have guessed, when a surfer gets covered up by that wave, it is called getting barrelled. 39. Gnarly. This is an old surfing slang that you might already be familiar with. Yes, gnarly means something ...
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 ...
A surfer really going for it on a wave, surfing aggresively. Charges, as in "ho, that guy charges". Chinese Wax Job. Getting wax on the bottom of your surfboard. Choka. Bitchin', awesome, great etc. ... 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 ...
Glassy – clean conditions, no wind or chop Gnarly – awesome, intense, dramatic. Groundswell – a wavelength of powerful swell with a period of at least 15 seconds or more between waves. Gun – a large surfboard for large waves. Hang loose – originally a Hawaiian expression, it means to relax and be easygoing. Impact zone – the opposite of easygoing, this is the area where waves break ...
Surf slang is more than just playful words—it reflects surfing’s spirit of freedom, community, and respect for nature. Whether you’re a grom practicing your pop-up, a soul surfer chasing barrels, or just someone who loves beach vibes, this lingo connects you to a worldwide tribe of wave riders.
Aussie slang for a big wave that breaks far off shore. “There’s a sick bommie off the coast of Portugal!” Booties. Booties are rubber and neoprene shoes worn to protect your feet from cold water and/or sharp reef. ... A pool that produces man made surf-able waves (often located inland far from traditional surf opportunities). ...
Big waves in surfing slang, known as 'macking,' are favored by experienced surfers for their unruly nature. When discussing swell size, surfers pay close attention to the period between waves, known as the swell period. A longer swell period typically results in bigger waves which are more powerful and preferred by advanced surfers.
Cowabunga: 1960s surf culture slang, cried out enthusiastically when surfing. Cranking: Going off. Pumping. Awesome surf conditions. ... Gun: A large board designed for surfing big waves. Hang Loose: To keep a relaxed, easy-going and carefree attitude. Hang Five: Riding a longboard with one foot on the nose of the board, five toes hanging over ...
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.
Surfer slang for big waves or epic surf conditions. Men in the grey suits. Sharks. Mid-length. A mid-length surfboard is a type of surfboard that falls in between a shortboard and a longboard in terms of length and shape. They typically range from 6’6″ to 8’0″ in length and are designed to provide a combination of speed and maneuverability.
Over the course of history, surf slang has continued to evolve, adopting new terms and reflecting modern changes in surf culture and technology. Today, surf slang is a big part of the worldwide surf scene, allowing riders from all around the globe to express themselves and form connections with fellow wave enthusiasts. Surf Slang Term Glossary
An affectionate term for surfers who lead with their right foot. This slang/terminology is also used in skateboarding, snowboarding and various other board sports. Green Room . As you may have guessed the green room is surfing slang for when a surfer finds themselves inside the curl of a wave. Grom. Grom is an affectionate term used for young ...
A. A frame – Wave with a peak that resembles an A and allows surfers to go either left or right, with both sides having a clean shoulder to work with.. Alley oop – An air maneuver where the surfer launches above the lip rotating clockwise going to the right and counterclockwise going to the left.. Air reverse – Aerial maneuver in surfing where you launch yourself into the air, while ...
Shorey: a wave that breaks close to shore and creates a steep drop; Sick: a term used to describe great waves or surf conditions; Soul surfing: surfing for the pure enjoyment of the sport, without competition or commercialism; Stoke: the feeling of excitement and enjoyment from surfing; Suction: the force that pulls the water up the face of a ...
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. So, next time you hear a surfer using colorful language in the lineup, remember that behind each term lies a story, a tradition, and a shared love for the waves.
