Surfer slang is an essential part of surf culture, filled with funny sayings and surf terms that help capture the excitement and spirit of the sport. From surfer slang phrases to surfing lingo, these surfing terms reflect the fun and laid-back vibes! Here is a list of 41 terms and phrases in the surfer lingo to add to your word bank!
A-frame – a wave that breaks in a left and right direction at the same time. Aggro – an Australian abbreviation for an aggressive surfer. Backdoor – when a surfer takes off late behind a breaking part of the wave and pulls into the open, barreling section in front of them. Backside – when a surfer rides with their back to the wave. Backwash – a wave or series of waves that bounce off ...
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...
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 ...
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.
Wettie and Leggie go together because they both refer to surfing equipment. The wettie is a slang for wetsuits used by surfers. They come in varying thicknesses for males and females. 101. Whitewater. When the waves collide with the shore, they form a foamy part. That white-looking bit is called whitewater because of its color. Final Thoughts
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 ...
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. From the exhilarating experience of being inside a barrel, known as the 'greenroom,' to cheering on the 'groms' – the young surfers learning the ropes ...
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Surf slang is a crucial aspect of surf culture and communication. Knowing surf terms enhances understanding and immersion in the surf community. Surf vocabulary has a notable presence in broader popular culture. Understanding Basic Surf Terms. In the world of surfing, a unique lingo captures the experience on the waves.
Learning the lingo of surfing can help you communicate more effectively with other surfers and understand the culture surrounding the sport. Here are . These are just a few examples of the many slang terms used in the world of surfing. Many of them have regional variations, and some are used more frequently than others.
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.
In surfing slang, “sick” is an adjective used to describe something that is awesome, amazing, or impressive. It can refer to a great wave, a skilled maneuver, a cool surfboard, or anything else that is deemed impressive or noteworthy. It is a positive term commonly used among surfers to express admiration or excitement.
