Glossary of surfing

Fun Words from Surfing!

Surfing is a fun sport where people ride big waves on special boards. Surfers have made up many cool words to talk about their sport. Learning these words helps you understand more about surfing.

The Water and Waves

Surfers have special words for the water and waves. A barrel is when a big wave rolls over and makes a tunnel. A surfer can ride through this tunnel! A beach break happens when waves break near the shore. Offshore wind blows from the land to the ocean and makes waves smooth. Onshore wind blows from the ocean to the land and makes waves choppy.

Fun Moves on the Waves

Surfers do many cool moves on the waves. One move is called an Air/Aerial, where the surfer lifts the board into the air and lands back on the wave. Bottom turn is the first turn at the bottom of a wave. Carve means making strong turns on the board. Tube riding is when a surfer rides inside the curved part of a wave.

About Surfers and Boards

Surfers have words for each other too! A grom or grommet is a young surfer. A waxhead is someone who surfs almost every day. Surfers also have special words for their boards. Fin or fins are on the bottom of the board to help steer. Wax is put on the top of the board so feet don’t slip off.

Surfing is full of exciting words and fun moves that make it a special sport!