Surf Talk, Slang and Surfing Phrases
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"You should have been here yesterday!"
With the help of this Surfing Terms page you'll be able to not only walk like a surfer, but you'll also be able to talk like one. Chill with the locals, impress the hotties at the local bar, or show up that know-it-all brat who is going out with your younger brother or sister. Read on and increase your knowledge.
(Thanks to everyone who is e-mailing us with new terms to include or posting them in the comments. We're including new slang and phrases all the time so please keep them coming!)
Glossary of Surfing Terms
180 / 360
The spin of a surfer's board during a manoeuver in degrees, e.g. 360 degree turn.
A-Frame
The perfect barreling surf, a cross-section of an A-frame wave reveals an "A" shape where it is breaking soooo nicely.
Aggro
Aggressive attitude in the water; having a bad attitude.
Air / Aerial
An advanced surfing manoeuver where the surfer and board leave the surface of the wave. Here are some great air photos.
Akaw!
Something surfers shout when they spot a huge perfect wave, or when they are shocked or surprised. Old School!
Amped
Getting excited while surfing or really looking forward to a surf.
Ankle Busters / Snappers
Small waves.
ASP
ASP stands for Association of Professional Surfing. The ASP was previously the governing body of surfing. In 2014 the ASP changed their name to the World Surf League.
Backdoor
Entering a barrel from behind the peak of the breaking wave. Backdoor is also the name of the right hand wave that sometimes breaks at the famous wave of Pipeline.
Backside
Surfing with your back towards the wave. A regular footed surfer going left or a goofy footed surfer going right will be surfing backside. The opposite is frontside.
Backwash
Waves / water heading back out towards the incoming wave where it has rebounded from the beach / cliffs / sea wall etc. Can make for some fun surfing.
Baggies
Loose, drawstring surf shorts.
Bail
To bail is to jump off the board to avoid an imminent wipeout.
Banks
Sand on the sea floor of a beach break. Beach break waves are dependent on the quality of the sand banks to provide good, surfable waves.
Barney
An inexperienced surfer, or someone who's no good at surfing.
Barrel
A barrel is where the wave is hollow when it is breaking. For some surfers it's the be all and end all of surfing. Is sometimes called a "tube."
Beach Break
This is a wave that breaks over a sandy sea bed. You've not read up about waves, have you?
Beach Leech
The perfect description of a beach leech: "Some people don't bring their own boards, and prefer to borrow your extra boards (they don't rent). And for wax, some don't really bring it. They just ask for some."
Bells Beach
Bells Beach is one of the great right point breaks. Find it on the south Victorian coastline of Australia. Check out the Bells Beach Pro held in March every year. This was the setting for that tearful end bit in the movie "Point Break" when Patrick (twinkletoes) Swayze AKA Bodie ate it at the end of Point Break. (And no doubt that after reading the waves page and finding out what a point break actually is, you're feeling particularly chuffed with yourself!)
It should also be pointed out that it was not actually Bells Beach where the scene was filmed but India Beach in Oregon. Thanks to Danny from Oregon for this info.
Benny
A non local.
Betty
One of the oldest and well know surf slang for a surfer girl who surfs.
Big Wednesday
A classic coming of age film telling the story of three surfing friends in California. Starring Jan-Michael Vincent, William Katt and Gary Busey.
Billabong
What Australians call a watering hole, but to everyone else it is one of the largest surfing equipment and clothing manufacturers out there.
Bitchin'
Old school for really good or enjoyable.
Blank
The foam used to shape a surfboard.
Blown Out
Where the onshore wind turns the surf in to unrideable mush.
Board
The fibreglass thingy under your feet.
Boardshorts / Boardies
These shorts are quick drying, lightweight, and worn by those lucky enough to be surfing in warm water. Check the men's boardshorts here and the women's boardshorts here.
Bomb
A particularly large or heavy wave. "He took off on a bomb".
Bombora / Bommie
An aboriginal term for a wave that breaks over a shallow reef, located beyond the normal lineup and often some distance from the shore.
Booger / Boogieboarder
Slang for body boarders.
Bottom Turn
This is the turn made at the base of the wave when coming down off the face. It's often the first move made after dropping in. Get it right for great positioning for your next manoeuver.
Brah
Slang term for brother, friend, fellow surfer.
Carve / Carving
The classic surfing manoeuver, carving is basically what turning on a wave is called. Carve is also a surfing magazine found in Europe.
Caught Inside
A surfer who is caught inside is too far in, and the waves are breaking further out. It can be dangerous in big surf.
Channel
A section within or alongside a surf break where the waves are not breaking. This can provide an easy way to paddle out.
Charging
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.
Choppy
Where the surface of the ocean is rough / bumpy.
Chowder
Used to describe the pollution conditions when there's a turd in the lineup — "I caught some sick waves out there but it was hard trying not to swallow the chowder."
Clean
Waves that break from a single peak along it's length, providing an open face for a surfer to ride on. The opposite of messy.
Clean Up Set
A wave or set of waves that are larger than average and break before the line up, resulting in clearing the line-up of surfers.
Clidro
The process where a surfer turns up and down the face of the wave while surfing down the line.
Close Out
Where a wave breaks along its length all at once. Find out how to survive a closeout.
Clucked
Being scared of afraid of waves.
Corduroy
Swell lines that look like corduroy; see this corduroy swell picture that illustrates it perfectly.
Covered up
Where the lip of the wave breaks over a surfer, almost a barrel but not quite. "I just got a coverup."
Cowabunga
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
The outside part of the barrel. "I was deep in the barrel the curtain closed on me."
Cross Step / Stepping
This is the art of walking up and down a longboard, foot over foot. When you see some guy / gal running up and down their board, you'll now know what to call it.
Cutback
Making a cutback is reversing the direction that you are surfing in one smooth fluid move. (That's the idea anyway.)
"My wave!...My wave!!....MY WAVE!!!! (see Drop In below)
Dawn Patrol
Going surfing first thing in the morning.
Deck
The is the bit of the surfboard you stand on. (Hopefully you have your board the right way round in the water.)
Ding
Surfboard damage — "Oh dear me, I've dinged my board!" (Perhaps a little more profanity will be used.)
Dirty Lickings
Taking a gnarly wipeout.
Doggy Door
Exiting a barrel through the small hole left by the wave as it closes.
Double Overhead
The height of a wave twice as tall as the surfer.
Drive
Drive relates to acceleration and maintainenance of speed though turns.
Drop, The
The drop is where a surfer first gets up on the waves and drops down the face of the wave. It's also referred to as "taking the drop."
Drop In
Dropping in is a crime in the surf world. A drop-in is where a surfer catches a wave without having priority, i.e. there is already a surfer on the wave. Please see diagram above. Remember, it's a CRIME!
Drop Knee
Riding a longboard with one knee on the deck of the surfboard.
Drysuit
Protection when surfing in very cold water, when a wetsuit would not be effective for keeping warm.
Duck dive / Duck Diving
Duck Diving is diving under an oncoming wave when paddling out. See duck diving in full detail in surfing lesson three — duck diving.
Dude
Dude, we almost forgot dude! Dude can mean pretty much anything depending on the tone and inflection. (Thanks go to Corey Ferguson for this one.)
Dumping
Often caused by onshore conditions, where a wave will fold over in big sections, making it un-surfable.
Eat It
Wiping out on a wave.
El Rollo
A surfing manoeuvre. Riding the inside wall of the pitched lip (barrel), instead of the main wave wall, and coming out sideways.
Endless Summer
"Endless Summer" is the absolute classic surfing movie. Forget all this new school tricky stuff. Watch this movie, and if you are not a surfer before viewing, you'll certainly want to be after. I cannot emphasise how good this is — WATCH IT! (Even the other half will enjoy it!!!) Check out this video and others at the surf video page.
Epic
Top class surf or extremely good waves; description of an awesome wave or surf session.
Eskimo Roll
(See Turtle Roll)
Face
The unbroken part of the wave.
Fakie
This is where someone rides backwards on the surfboard, tail first. It's also what you are if you're only reading this page so you can pretend that you're a surfer.
FCS
FCS stands for fin control system. This is a type of fin that is fully removable from the surfboard. It's ideal if you break a fin (you don't have to get a new on glassed back on), or if you are travelling. (It's best to remove the fins to keep your board from being damaged.)
Fin
The fin is the curved bit hanging down under your surfboard that you keep bashing when you tie your surfboard to the roof of your car. It's sometimes called a skeg.
Firing
Firing is the same as "going off", where the surf is really good and the waves are breaking nicely.
Fish
A type of surfboard shape, shorter and thicker than a standard shortboard. Fish surfboards are for surfing smaller waves.
Flat
No waves. Boo hoo!
Floater
Riding over the whitewater back onto the shoulder of the wave (you may need to consult the terms list further to understand this answer fully).
Foam
The broken part of a wave, another term for "Whitewater" or "Soup".
Foamies
These are either whitewater waves or surfboards that are made out of foam. (They're ideal for beginners.)
Foil
The rate of change of thickness of a surfboard from the nose to the tail.
Frontside
Surfing with your front towards the wave. A regular footed surfer going right or a goofy footed surfer going left will be surfing frontside. The opposite is backside.
Froth
The foam left after a wave has broken.
Frothin / Froathin
Excited.
Frube
A surfer who does not catch a wave for the whole time they are in the water.
Fullsuit
Wetsuit with full arms and legs. See the types of wetsuits.
Funboard
A mid-length surfboard, often know as a minimal; see funboard examples here.
Gidget
This is the nickname of the title character created in a novel by Frederick Kohner (and adapted for three further films). Gidget is a contraction of "girl midget," which is why it went on to be used to describe small female surfers.
Glass Job
The fibreglass finish on a surfboard.
Glassy
This is ultra-clean surf without a ripple that often looks like glass. Click here to see a glassy wave.
Gnarly
Particularly dangerous surf conditions.
Goat Boater
Derogatory term for kayakers and wave skiers.
Going off
If the surf is really good, you could say it's going off.
Goober
Derogatory term for a longboard or a longboarder.
Goofy / Goofy Foot
Surfing with your right foot forward.
Green Room
Inside the tube or barrel.
Gremmie / Grommet / Grom
Any of the above can be used to describe a young or inexperienced surfer. Grommet is also the cute doggie character in the Nick Park animation creations. (And they are really rather good!)
Grey Belly
An older surfer with the big belly.
Grom Mum
The mom who taxis her kids everywhere, anytime for a wave. One who sits sipping coffee on the cold sand under blankets at 6 am just to see her kids stoked.
Grubbing
Falling off your board while surfing.
Gul
British surfing equipment manufacturer.
Gun
A surfboard designed for big waves.
Riding the nose
Hand Tracking
Using your hands to help guide, balance, or position yourself on a wave.
Hang Eleven
This is when a male surfer rides his board in the nude. (Such as nearby Black's Beach in San Diego: thanks to Gary M. Steinhaus for this one!)
Hang Loose
Hang Ten
If you're riding a longboard with both feet directly on the nose of the board, your hanging ten. It's also the name of a longboard magazine.
Heavy
Heavy has a couple of meanings. When used as in "heavy waves," it means big, gnarly, kick ass waves. Teahupoo, Mavericks and Pipeline are three waves that would have to be described as heavy with a capital "H." The same term can be used to describe the locals at a spot. (For the same kick ass reason!)
Ho-dad
Anyone who annoys board riders while they surf (austral Women's Weekly Oct. 24, 1962).
Hodad
A hodad is a non-surfing beach bum. (Pix Sept. 28, 1963) Thanks go to John Gentile for the Hodads.
Hold
The term “hold” (used with hold and release) describes keeping the board engaged in the wave, maintaining traction and control. "He had great hold through the barrel” — means the surfer stayed locked in and stable while the wave was pitching over."
Hollow
Tubing waves, a-frames, barrels.
Impact Zone
The spot where the waves are breaking.
In the Soup
A term used when a surfer is in the white foam of the wave after the wave has broken.
Indo
Slang for Indonesia, home of some classic surf spots and a top surf trip destination.
Inside
The area of whitewater where the waves have broken, between the shore and the line-up. Also, inside can be used to describe the section of a wave that breaks towards the end of the ride, closest to the shore.
Instinct
Popular brand of surf clothing.
Jeffrey's Bay / J Bay
Jeffrey's Bay is a South African surf break of the highest calibre. It's one of the world's most famous, high quality right handers. (Don't know what a right hander is? Then go learn your waves. Go have a look at the section on waves.)
Junkyard Dog
A surfer with poor style or a surfer who only surfs crappy waves.
Keg
Another word for a barrel / tube.
Kick Out
Finishing a ride by turning back out over the top of the wave.
Kickflip
A new school surf trick which involves rotating the board 360° along it's length while airborne, and landing back on the board. Here's a good example.
Kneeboarding
A surfing spin-off, kneeboarding is riding the waves on your knees using a special knee board.
Kook
A beginner or someone who is not very good at surfing. A try hard. Someone who surfs to try and look cool. Someone who does not follow the rules in the lineup, drops in etc. Are you a kook?
Landlord
Shark.
Late Takeoff
Waiting until the last possible moment to get up on a wave.
Layback
The layback is a surfing manoeuver where the surfer literally lays backwards on a wave. It's one of surfing's more extreme tricks.
Leash
This is the cord that is attached between your leg and your surfboard. Click here for more information about a leash or find out about how to attach your surfboard leash here.
Left
A wave that breaks from right to left from a surfer point of view when facing into the shore.
Leg rope
See Leash above.
Leggy
Australian slang for the leash.
Licked
Getting licked means wiping out and being hammered by the wave.
Line Up
The line up is the place just outside the breaking waves where surfers wait for their waves.
Lines
Unbroken waves heading towards the shore. See corduroy.
Lip
The tip of the breaking part of the wave.
Locked In
When a wave crashes and the surfer is inside of it.
Log
Slang for a Longboard.
Logger
Slang for a Longboarder / someone who rides a Longboard.
Logjam
A surf break full of longboarders.
Long John Wetsuit
A type of long legged, no armed wetsuit - details here.
Longboard
A long surfboard with a rounded nose. See our longboard selection.
Lull
This is when the ocean goes flat between sets and everyone sits around waiting for the waves to arrive.
Macking
Macking, or Macking Big refers to big, powerful surf. Not just wave height, but also heaviness and intensity.
Mal / Malibu
Another description of a longboard surfboard.
Mavericks
This is a famous big wave spot off the California coast. Not to be confused with the film "Maverick", starring Mel Gibson, although you need to be pretty brave to tackle both.
Men In Grey Suits
Messy
Waves that close out, break irregularly and that are not ideal to surf on. The opposite of clean surf, generally caused by an onshore or cross-shore wind.
MR
Multi-world champ and all round surfing legend Mark Richards.
Mullering
Wipe-out of the highest order.
Mush / Mushburger
Poor quality, slow, or non-powerful waves, often onshore.
Narrabeen
Narrabeen is one of a whole host of quality surf spots on Sydney's north shore. You lucky, lucky Aussies!
New School
The term given to trick surfing — airs, shove-its, etc.
Noodled / Noodle Arms
Being exhausted or having tired arms.
Noah
Another term for shark.
Nose
The pointy bit of the surfboard; the bit that points away from you when you are paddling and riding.
Ocean
Same thing as a sea, only bigger.
Offshore
This is when the wind at a surf break is blowing off the shore ;-), It makes for ideal surfing conditions.
Onshore
This is when the wind is blowing towards the land, spoiling the waves. Always remember; offshore good, onshore bad!
Out Back / OTB
Beyond the breaking waves. "See you out back".
Outside
The area beyond the line-up. You'll sometimes hear surfers shout "Outside!" as a warning to other surfers that a larger than usual wave is approaching and will be breaking further out that normal.
Pipeline - going off! Photo courtesy: Hawaiian Eye
Over the Falls
A wipeout where a surfer wipes out and either free-falls down the face of the wave or gets sucked up, over and back down by the circular breaking motion of the wave.
Overhead
Waves that are bigger that a surfer when standing up.
Paddlepuss
Someone who stays and plays in the whitewater close to the beach.
Party Wave
A wave surfed by several people at once.
Perl / Pearl
This is a common term describing when a person buries the nose of their surfboard in the wave and goes "over the falls." It's often referred to by the actual surfer as "@#%%@#@!"
Pig dog
Backside rail-grab tube riding. (If you don't understand this one, all the terms are here on the page)
Pipeline
This is the classic Hawaiian wave — amazing, barreling, and mean (see the pipeline surf spot map). It's one of the most famous and most photographed waves there is. If you have just read surfing lesson one - catching waves and are ready to go out and try surfing for the first time, then Pipeline is probably the last place on the planet you want to be.
Pitted
Caught a tube, shacked.
Pivot Turn
A turn where the tail of the surfboard remains almost stationary while the rest of the board swings round.
Pocket / In the Pocket
The pocket is the most powerful part of the wave, just ahead of where the wave is breaking.
Pop-Out
A mass produced surfboard made by machine.
Pop Up
Describes the move a surfer makes to go from lying on the surfboard, into the standing position to ride a wave.
Priority
Which surfer has the right of way, fully explained here.
Pumping
A decent swell where the waves are nice and powerful; also used to describe a surfer trying to generate speed.
Quiksilver
Pretty much everyone, surfers and non-surfers alike, will already know about Quiksilver. They're one of the largest manufacturers of surfing equipment and surf clothing on the planet. The lads have done well from their boardshort beginning on Torquay — good on ya! (See Quiksilver boardshorts in the store.)
Quiver
A surfer's collection of different surfboards. (I've heard people say it's the place where they keep their boards but not sure about that. Thanks go to Kris Carré who suggested "quiver" as an entry.)
Radical / Rad
High performance or risk taking surfing, awesome or impressive.
Rag Dolled
See washing machine, getting tossed around by a wave like you're a rag doll .
Rail
Rails are the sides of your surfboard, running from nose to tail and back again. More details can be found on the surfboard rail page.
Rail Bang
To fall off and take the surfboard between the legs (Ouch!).
Rail to Rail
Keeping the surfboard constantly moving on the wave, from one rail of the surfboard to the other. This type of surfing helps keep up speed and get the most out of the wave.
Raked Over
To be hammered by incoming waves while paddling out.
Reef Tax
Cuts and grazes etc. from hitting the reef or rocks.
Reform
Where a wave that has already broken starts to build back up into a surfable wave.
Regular / Regular Footed
Surfing with your left foot forward.
Release
Letting the board slide, loosen, or break free from the water's grip, reducing traction for speed or expression. Also see hold
Reo / Re-entry
A surfing manoeuvre which involves going from the bottom of the wave up towards the lip (top) of the wave then redirecting back down the face of the wave.
Rip / Riptide
A riptide is a strong current heading out to sea. It can be dangerous for surfers and swimmers alike. Check out the waves section to find out more details.
Rhino Chaser
A gun surfboard, big wave board.
Rock Dance
Getting into or out of the surf over rocks.
Rocker
The bottom curve of a surfboard.
Roller
Another word for a top turn.
Roller Coaster
An enjoyable manoeuvre on 8 foot waves with a single fin gun, without a leash. To set up the manoeuvre it the days of old a long, smooth, deep bottom turn and then straight up the face to towards the lip as the you are almost upsidedown with the board pointing straight up. At the lip you are weightless as the lip pushes the board under your feet again as you become upright. — From here another bottom turn or the end of the ride if the wave dumps a closeout.
As I remember well it was always great to achieve this because if you didn't complete it was a long cold swim in on winter waves at Rincon. A "roller coaster", a true accomplishment in bigger winter waves without a leash, —as the "kook leash" ;-) wasn't invented in those days. - "Rickard, A Ventura local"
Santanas / Santa Ana
Describing 'Devil Winds' that are warm brisk offshore winds off the California coast. This term was used extensively by SoCal surfers during the 60s.
Elsinore writes "the "Santana" winds you mention are actually spelled Santa Ana, as in the town in Orange County, California, not the musician Santana. This term is in current use outside the surfer community. These winds are notoriously hot and dry, and are very dangerous in fire season (like the devastation in January 2025)."
SAS
See Surfers Against Sewage.
Shacked
Getting completely barreled, riding a phat tube.
Shaka
A common hand signal used by surfers, with an extended thumb and little finger. Hang loose!
Shoobie
Early 20th century tourists that would travel to the shore towns by train carrying their lunches in Shoe Boxes (shoobies).
Shootin' the Curls
Slang meaning to go surfing.
Shoulder
The surfable part of the wave.
Shoulder Hop
Dropping in on a surfer who is already up and riding.
Shove-it
A shove-it is a manoeuver where the rider shoves the surfboard round underneath the feet, 180 or 360 degrees. It's a good trick if you can do it.
Shred
Aggressive surfing moves on a wave with resulting spray over the backside visible to those on the outside. (You might have to research further slang to decipher this explanation)
Shubie
Someone who buys surf gear and clothing but does not surf. (see "Shoobie")
Sick
A term used to describe when someone does something impressive, e.g. "that was a sick air" — not just because you have swallowed too much sea water.
Single Fin
A surfboard with a single centre fin.
Sketchy
The opposite of surfing smoothly with style.
Skeg
Sternward extension of the keel, or a single center fin on surf board.
Slash
A rapid turn off the top of the wave, hopefully throwing loads of spray off the top.
Slater, Kelly
He's famous for being in Baywatch and his alleged dalliance with Pamela Anderson. Oh yes, we've heard that he's a pretty tidy surfer as well. Check out some Kelly Slater surfing photos.
Slotted
Correctly positioned in a tube.
Snake / Snaking
Waves should be shared, but snakes take it all. To snake is to drop in out of turn.
Spit
Where spray blows out of the end of a barrel. Tube spit.
Sponger
A bodyboarder.
Springsuit
A short legged wetsuit (may have long or short arms). See all wetsuit types here.
Stacking
Waves are getting bigger.
Steamer
Another type of surfing wetsuit.
Steamer Lane
This is a famous Northern California surf spot.
Step Into Liquid
This is what happens when you go walking in puddles. It's also the the name of a surf video by surf vid guru Dana Brown. Check it out at our video store: Step Into Liquid.
Stick
Surfer slang for a surfboard.
Stoked
Very happy.
Stringer
This is the bit of wood that runs up through the length of your surfboard. (It's there if you have a fibreglass one and not one that you have fashioned out of an old ironing board!) More info is available on the surfboard information page.
Sucking Dry
Where breaking waves cause all the water to be drawn off the sea bed, leaving it exposed.
Surfers Against Sewage
SAS is an organisation campaigning for clean water for all. These guys are incredibly high profile and lobby endlessly to ensure all water users are surfing in clean water. Check them out at www.sas.org.uk and become a member. Everyone should become a member.
Surfers Ear
Surfers ear, or auditory exostosis, is an abnormal bone growth within the ear canal. Cold water surfers are particularly susceptible and should look at some form of prevention such as ear plugs.
Surfers Eye
Surfers eye is the slang term for Pterygiums, a medical issue which manifests itself as a clear, white, or pinkish membrane that grows over the inside corner of one or both eyes.
Surfers Knots
Soft-tissue swellings on the dorsum of the foot and just below the knee, as a result of kneeling for long periods of time on the surfboard while waiting for a wave.
SUP
Stand up paddleboard / paddleboarding.
Swallow Tail
You'll really have to go and read up on the surfboard tail shapes section. I can't be explaining everything over again.
Swell
Swell or groundswell refers to solid, real waves. (As apposed to rubbish wind chop) Why not read more on how waves are made.
Switch Stance
Riding the surfboard standing the other way round, i.e. if you're regular footed you would be surfing goofy.
Barrel, Tube, Tubular, Clean, Offshore, Spray - take your pick. Photo courtesy: Hang11
Tail
This is the bit of the surfboard at the opposite end to the nose. Read more about surfboard tail shapes. For more info on the other bits of the surfboard, have a look at the surfboard section.
Tailslide
The tailslide is a move where the tail of the board slides across the lip of the wave.
Thundoars
Island slang for (voice of thundering waters) meaning large waves.
Tow In
Catching big waves with the aid of a Jet ski.
Thruster
Popular name for a tri-fin shortboard.
Traction Pad
A traction pad is a permanent replacement for surf wax, stuck directly to the surfboard. It is normally seen placed just in front of the leash plug, providing grip for back foot. Full length grip is available, but is not seen so often. You might find it referred to as deck grip, traction, or a riser pad.
Trim
Keeping the surfboard in a straight line at the optimum angle and cruising down the line.
Tube
The tube is public transportation in London. Oh, you mean Tube! The tube is where the wave is hollow where it's breaking. For some surfers it's the be all of surfing. It's sometimes called a barrel, keg, or pit.
Tubular
Describes hollow, barreling waves.
Turtle Roll
This is a technique for getting a longboard out though a breaking wave. (As apposed to duck diving for a shortboarder). See our how to turtle roll article for more info.
Twin Fin
A surfboard with two fins.
Ulluwatu
Ulluwatu is one of a large number of quality Indonesian surf breaks.
Underwater
You are not seriously looking for an explanation of this are you?
Vals
Local hated everyone but locals, but Vals were held in particular disgust. Graffiti was spray painted on overpasses "Vals go home!"
Val Surf was a shop opened in 1962 in Valley Village on Whitsitt and Riverside Dr. Was waaay before Valley Girls became a thing. Same valley Tom Petty mentions in Freefallin'. (thanks to Aaronosaurus for this one)
Vanuatu
Vanuatu is a smallish island in the Pacific, complete with numerous great waves. If you are planning a tropical surfing trip, you could do worse!
Wahine
A female surfer.
Wax
It smells nice, gets stuck in your chest hair (not you ladies!), and is used to stop your feet slipping off your board. Also, surf wax can be used as to repair almost anything — leaky roof, rusty zip... you name it.
Washing Machine
Getting spun around and around underwater by a wave.
Wetsuit
It's made of neoprene, keeps out the cold, and makes you look like a seal. Check out the wetsuit section for more information.
Whitewater
The broken, turbulent part of a wave.
Wipe-out
Falling off your board is referred to as a wipe-out. Other terms are donut, mullering, eating it, taking a pounding, or pretty much anything else you would like.
Worked
To "get worked" is to wipe out and get thrown about while being held under by the wave.
(e)Xtreme
Yes, you guessed — we couldn't think of a surfing word truly beginning with "X." Its definition is exactly the same as in the dictionary. Tow in surfing is the latest type of extreme surfing.
Xtrak
Xtrak is one of the leading manufacturers of surfboard traction pads. We've finally got a proper "X!!"
Yallingup
Surf spot in Western Australia. (Now we are really struggling!)
Yew
Shout out out when very excited. Fully sick yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew! When a big wave is spotted or someone got a gnarly wave
Z
(Thanks to those who have sent us "Z" letters. We were struggling for a while but now the section is looking pretty rosy).
Zamba, Frieda
Born October 24, 1965, Freida Zamba was Florida's first four-time world champ.
Zimzala
A person with a free mind. Who doesn't have a care in the world. Usually a surfer, or a person who goes to the beach a lot.
Zipperless
This is often considered the "holy grail" of wetsuits, as zippers, no matter how tightly made, will always let water through. Invented in '89 by Body Glove, the first zipperless wetsuits were actually way too stiff for surfers to use. In '93, the Japanese came out with another model that was still too stiff, but by '95, most wetsuit companies offered a high end zipperless suit. Advantages include flexibility and warmth; disadvantages include short lifespan (due to super stretchy rubber) and difficult entry/exit.
Zogs (Mr.) Sex Wax
Zogs is a popular brand of surf wax found wherever there are surfers. Get some surf wax here.
Zonal
This weather pattern term means that all of the storm activity in one particular region is moving in a consistent west-to-east pattern along the same latitude. While this can happen anywhere in the world, it's usually associated with the Southern Ocean (around Antarctica) and is caused by large ridges of high pressure in the mid-latitudes, "pancaking" the active storm track into the upper latitudes. Since most of the swell energy in these storms will only travel the direction the fetch is pointed, it means that all of the swell is also going west-to-east. For most of the eastern half of the Pacific (California, Baja, Mainland Mexico, and Central America), zonal activity in the SPAC is bad for swell production. It's good for an area in its path like Chile, but bad for the rest of us.
Zulu
This is the same as GMT or Greenwich Mean Time. Zulu time is used on weather charts, which may display 12Z for 1200 GMT or 00Z for 0000 GMT. Weather charts play an important part in predicting surf.
That's it for the surfing talk page. If anyone actually read this page and found it interesting and informative (or even remotely amusing at times) then we'd be interested in knowing — e-mail us or comment below to let us know.
"Who's got priority?"
This is such a good list. You've missed Kickflip though.
wow this was really helpful. i'm trying to write a book about a girl that surfs, but since i live in georgia it's kinda been hard. THANKS!
from - Fakie
I found this page to be of great interest. It is a well set out document full of valuable information not necessarily known to the non surfing community. Congratulations
As a non surfer, I'm trying to work out a particular lyric in a song by the fantastic Baggy's called "My big Gun Board". In the 3rd verse they sing "And before I (space space) I got to get some speed, And my big Gun board gives me all that I need". If someone can fill the spaces I'd be grateful.
PS At the risk of being a smart arse, in your glossary of surfing terms you forgot "Surfer(ing) knots.
I'd not come across surfer's knots before, I'll add it to the list.
Thanks for the feedback, sorry I can't help you out with the lyric - try asking over on the forum.
Mr Zogs Sex Wax is also good for waxing then polishing rosewood fretboards on guitars, so you can play surf music even faster
Great list BUT the man's name was BODHI, how could you spell that wrong?!
Great site. Restoring a 60vw dune buggy "mini-T" and found great input into personalized license plate. Love the hang-11.
Some funny stuff. I like that you could define ocean with a straight face.
i want to surf so bad
THIS LIST IS PRO! THANKS BRO!!!
I was trying to write a story of a surfer and this list is awesome THANKS!!!!!!
Sick! Nice job on this... You guys need to add "shacked" - riding a phat tube
you forgot priority. you talk about it when you talk about the drop in but you never explain what it is.
We have a whole article about wave priority. Check it out.
It should probably be mentioned in this list also.
DIS IS A COOL LIST MAN
Another term for bodyboarders:
"speedbumps"
neat list bro!!
Never surfed but used your terms for this.
Amped
I was new schooling at Narrabeen
and everything I did was sick.
Then I tried to shove-it hard
and that was my last trick.
As I got worked, I saw the men in gray
coming for me in crowds.
Now I
Flat -- no waves.
Gnarly list brewster!
you do mention xtrack but you forgot to list "trackpad" or "traction pad"
You're right, no traction pad. Better get that added. Thanks.
Is there a term used to describe the water or conditions beyond a big wave? Like, if I were to go out, see a big wave but want to know what is beyond it?
Thanks for the updates, kickflip and flat have been added.
I am making a crocheted and embroidered hat for a toddler and needed a good word to discribe the lil' octopuss surfin the white water of the wave. I decided on Paddlepuss... its perfect. :) Thanks for the help
brahhhh what a narly list its rad brahhh
zzzzz...what the older surfers do after finally making it out to the lineup...how many times I've gotten out there, only to find I'm ready for a nap, so I kind of sit there for a while, pretending I'm waiting for "my" wave....
What about Froathin?
I'm unsure about the definition of froathin, is it excited about good waves?
Really helpful... i'm writing a book about people moving to Hawaii to surf so this really helped.
Not so much on names of all of the different surfing maneuvers . I only mention this because that is what I was looking for. Thanks anyhow
Whats a pop up
A pop up is how a surfer goes from lying to standing on the surfboard. Learn how to pop up here.
I'll add pop up to this list.
what about periling
see Perl / Pearl on the next page
great stuff bromeo:P
What about the Green Room, Bro? and Leggy, Wipeout, Noah's (Sharks)
some aussie frothin terms for ya brah! Shakka!
Thanks for the comment Shoobie. Wipeout and Green Room are already on the list, but I'll get leggy and Noah's added.
Hi, how do you Call the stream of air and water that a good barrel usually blows out?
Tube spit.
What does it mean when someone yells "outside!"?
Yelling "outside" warns surfers of a bigger wave coming, surfers can then paddle further out and avoid getting caught out by it.
Ok, I'm writing a story using the POV of a girl who has been surfing her whole life. This really helps me with some of the lingo she can use!!!!
you guys didnt put in sketchy!!!
no spit or froth??
this is a rad page
I see tailslide and tailside. Do they both mean the same or is one term not correct?
Tailslide is the correct term. Tailside is probably a typo.
This page is very helpful as I have just moved to Hawaii..............where surfing is the National Sport!!......... Got a feeling I will be a "PaddlePuss" for sometime at least !!
radical
What about shacka brah ?
I love Point Break
THANKS! i am writing a story called Crashing Waves and this is totally perfect. i will give credit to you guys for sure.
I love Point Break!
^ I wish there was a Point Break 2!
i love this site! it helps me so much in learning surf terms. THANK YOU
sweet page
surfing is amazing
K00K
that's the very list I want!!!!!THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!
crazy
lol, hang eleven. i didn't know that one! o.O
Just wanted to say thanks for such a great resource! I'm an artist and am painting the waves I saw in New Jersey so was looking for references. Great fun watching the surfers too. :)
Great list for a KooK like me, thanx! What about Rip and Low Rise?
great site guys. you helped me heaps with my homework.( it was an personal interest project. P.I.P.) but you missed waves for W!!
best place to surf?
Need to add "Grom" and "Outside"
what about dirty lickings? ya know, takin a gnarly wipout? im in wrightsville beach,nc and youll hear it everywhere. and competitions? what about that?(sorry, dont mean to sound like an aggro)
Thanks. c: ♥
I'm doing surfing lessons this summer again when I'm at my condo,
so it's good I'll have soemthing to refer too!
Sucking dry? please explain , Fakie
CHARGES- As in "ho, that guy charges"...
im going to do surfing camp some year and i hope i become as good as bethany hamiton!you guys who havent seen soul surfer see it!bethany lost 60% of her blood.
Thanks for all the suggestions, I've updated our surf dictionary this morning and added some fresh terms.
Thanks to everyone for all the feedback and additional surf lingo. I've updated this section with your suggestions.
Please keep them coming!
Being one I knoticed it was missing; a "grey belly", an older surfer with the big belly.
@Guest JoBo on Apr 19, 2012: Grey belly added!
Bombora. That's a must for aussie terms
Hang Loose, it's an oldie
akaw!
: Something surfers shout
when they spot a huge perfect
wave, or when they are shocked
or surprised. Old School!
Lovely site. What about "The Pocket / In the Pocket"?
U can also use rad
What is a cloud break session?
Thanks for the latest offerings, dictionary updated!
@Shakabro: A Cloud Break session refers to a surfing session at the world famous wave of Cloudbreak in Fiji.
just noticed "shark-biscuit" is missing for bodyboarders.
Awesome page bro. I surfed when I wad younger one time
With my friends and loved it! Best this g in the world and then
I was talking to one of my older buddies and he was like u sat here listening to me
Most kids you're age don't sit here listing to old guys lol Ans he said he had a board
For me that how I got my firs board! It was gnarly!
pretty well covered except for you have a description for 'new school' but not 'old school'..;-)....and no description for 'soul-surfer', which often goes hand-in-hand with 'old-school' ..jus sayin
Nice list, but you missed some good ones such as rag doll and chandelier.
you must add the "kick flip" now that its been used in comp
Rad list, has helped me out heaps! Cheers! :)
Term for a great surfer but one who paddles everywhere and takes all the good waves....even if you have been sitting for awhile...they just paddle right over in front of every good wave...
i wished i could surf it looks sooooo cool
jusy had a sic session love the list broseph
Awsome list, I'm opening a bar near a good surf-spot in Spain...bean-bags, hammocks,chilled live music yet awsome cocktails and drinks and food deals, so some class at least...any suggestions for a name guys, can't be like 100% surf terminology as 'the normal' people have to find it attractive as well...cheers!
still don't know what underwater means... lol jk
I didnt see pitted on there aka right in the barrel
This helped me do homework back when I was a child.
Great list. I need to find out if there is a name for someone who takes up surfing in their late 30s or 40s as a kind of midlife crisis. Any ideas? ('Kooks' isn't it exactly)
Ride the cha bro
this is a good list but you forgot wipeout & grommet
Don't forget hecka our hella used instead of "heck of a" or "hell of a". I.e. the surf was hecka good yesterday bra:) hakuna matata
Thanks so much! This list was very helpful.
You have to add "body part that may be slammed into surfboard" to the definition of face.
@Guest on Jan 26, 2013: To true :)
Hung eleven on blacks beach! Wang low broheemuthh
thanks geography surfing project on surfing slang really helped
A-frame doesn't have to be barrelling. Just a peak breaking both left & right (split peak).
Is there a term for when your riding a wave and you drag your hand across or in the water?
Hi there! please give me explanations for the word surferama
This is for the 2nd guest person who commented: Gun- it means a surfborad used for riding big waves. ur welcome :]
hahahaha nicee bro
I found this page to be both informative and entertaining at times. Thanks dude.
I'm a goofy foot it's so Unique! =D
How does this otherwise pretty decent glossary not have the word "Barney" in it????
Barney has now been added!
how do you know it wa in 1915
duuude this is gnarllly
Bish Bash Bra
Gotta get "pitted" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2h1VprIBpE
Thanks a LOT a LUMP for the glossary of terms and of phrases of terms of Surfing Slang and for explaining the definitions that it mentions of such terms and of such phrases of said terms of Surfing Slang in a manner in which we know most people can't or won't be confused by their definitions for others and even for us, too....
I love Point Break.
Akaw! , comes from the spanish word Aka wich when you yell or point means there! or over there ! or "mira aka" look there ..Surf Baja !
Trunking it: surfing on your trunks or board shorts
Dick dragger=body boarder
tombstones=beginner surfer that sits toward the back of his board causing the nose to rise up way out of the water.
Brah is pretty iconic surfer lingo too.
Shacked?
Hey! This is great research for my book! I noticed a question posted 3/12/13 that went unanswered about touching the water with one's hand while surfing; since there was no answer, I thought I might call this 'etching the glass in the green room'. Not sure if it's accurate, but I think it's poetically descriptive, anyway! I hope John D. found an answer before now!
Rad, dude.
what's surfer slang for wave????
My most recent children's book has a chapter with a surf contest. Even though I grew up at the beach, this page has been most helpful in reminding me of surf terms I'd forgotten (and a few I'd never heard). Thanks, Kudos, Shaka, and Bonzer.
Okay, I know I'm an old guy, but when did the 'curl' become the 'pocket?'
You list: Eskimo Roll (See Turtle Roll) Then you forget to define Turtle Roll...
Hang Ten is close almost dead on bro...but maybe add the fact that it comes from hanging your ten toes off the nose of your board and for the most part was only done on the longboard because you could only do it on the longboard hence the mag ;-)
Hi try to add wahine
This is great, but you should add Benny - a non local
Does nobody remeber old school terms like "Shootin' the Curls" meaning to go surfing. that was the term we used in the 1960's for any type of surf riding. I still shoot the curls at every opportunity in Perran' on my "old school" paipo bellyboard, and No, we don't get in the way, we just ride the waves that the rest of you ignore.
What's the term for riding a really long wave
What's the term for riding a really long wave
stoked!!!!!!!!!
Spring suit, usually worn by surfer hotties (bunnies). Basically a short sleaved and legged wet suit. Some dudes where them too, but I prefer to see them on chicks who sport the short shorts version spring suit. Surfer chicks are the best, and they rule! Surf or die Baby!
Add Brah/bra. A slang term meaning brother, friend, person, etc.
Surf Patrol, what type of fin set up do you use? I use a three fin on a short BC board.
thanks brooo i just want to get rid of all the fakies, akaw. DANK.
What about 'edgy'?? Love this list bredde!
surf is up videogame's are down surfs up wasabi this wave was cool dude
doesnt grom just mean young surfer. im a young surfer and get called a grom often but im not inexperienced. am i not a grom now
i like this website bro, gunna recomend it to kooks, is kooks on the list
yep it is sorry
where im from we call kooks guses or angries
wetsuits names are not up to scratch bro. theres a couple more
yew
love this site
wheres yew on ya list
fully sick yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew!
wheres this site from-aus?
im at school loving life
yew bra
yep im still at school and i surfed in the 60s
Include "Santanas" describing 'Devil Winds' that are warm brisk offshore winds off the California coast. This term was used extensively by SoCal surfers during the 60s.
What about Surfer's Ear (or auditory exostosis)? It's a big one for cold water surfers
Awe : a greating or short for AWEsome mainly used in south africa.
Grom : Young Surfer
Hey - What about some surfing moves: Floater, Reo/Roller, El Rollo,Layback, Snapback and also late take off, Bomb, lip, shoulder...
What about tubular? Also, I understand that an ocean is just a sea but bigger, but what is a sea? Is it just an ocean, but smaller?
what about "poser"? I know I'm old school, but poser is someone who puts on a fake attitude, either on or off the board. In the eighties, it was a massive insult.
Make sure to update ASP and that they changed to WSL
thanks, very useful and amusing at the same time!
What's the term for missing the wave, besides loser!
Its Bodhi man
How about for "Z" = Zimzala ?
"a person with a free mind. Who doesn't have a care in the world. Usually a surfer, or a person who goes to the beach a lot.:
Party wave
Why don't you have the term "pitted?"
chya is one that def needs to be added!!!! used alot.
what about yew! used so much nowadays. definitely a good one for Y
Don't forget Dick Dragger (body boarder). Heard among hard core surfers in South Africa, they said it with disdain
Hey, what is called when you have the line and you drop into a barrel and some kook tries to drop in on your line and then he sees you and pulls back which causes white water to flow down in front of you or the wave to break causing your to wipe out?
Goober = derogatory term for a longboard or a longboarder. Also "log" or "logger". Too many longboarders is "logjam".
Stacking = waves are getting bigger. Also can mean having sexual relations.
Whitewater = the broken, turbulent part of the wave that has become translational. Also know as "foam" or "soup".
Suggested addition: "reform;" as in wave reform
This says, Thanks also for the explanations in the said glossary of terms and of phrases of terms of Surfing Slang, as also mentioned earlier by me also ii years ago to the day today....
The list doesnt mention anything about over-head and double-overhead. Def terms to know!
SHOULDER HOP
Shacked, grovel, doggy door, drop knee turn, pivot, rail to rail
slotted
OTB-out the back
I grew up in the 50' & 60's in LA - beach adjacent. While not a surfer, I thought that bonaroo was a surf term from that era. Anyone?
What does it mean when a surfer calls you kid. I am over 40. We are affectionate friends.
you forgot getting pitted!!!
Flat- When everyone's spirits are crushed because there are no waves.
Rag-dolled see washing machined, getting tossed around by a wave like you're a rag doll
What does 'crunchies' mean?
THUNDOARS
Island slang for (voice of thundering waters) meaning large waves
WI BLONG SOLWOTA! Nice play with Vanuatu, but take it off, brou! Vila and Santu plenti fulap tumas! Chinaman blong china!! Keep the Kava breaks secret!
Thanks from a surfing mom hoping to get her grom to Hawaii :-) That onshore offshore bit really helped!
Great with such references! Thanx
If I was to add to the list it would be a "Roller Coaster".
An enjoyable manuever on 8 foot waves with a single fin gun, without a lease. To set up the manueve it the days of old a long, smooth, deep bottom turn and then straight up the face to towards the lip as the you are almost upsidedown with the board pointing straight up. At the lip you are weightless as the lip pushes the board under your feet again as you become upright. ...from here another bottom turn or the end of the ride if the wave dumps a closeout.
As I remember well it was always great to achieve this because if you didn't complete it was a long cold swim in on winter waves at Rincon. A "roller coaster", a true accomplishment in bigger winter waves without a leash, ......as the "kook leash" ;-) wasn't invented in those days.
Re:Surf movies,don't forget Big Wednesday with the added attraction of Jan Vincent!
Grom Mom... The mom who taxis her kids everywhere, anytime for a wave. One who sits sipping coffee on the cold sand under blankets at 6 am just to see her kids stoked..
Many thanks. I'm writing a book where a minor character is a surfer and this was hugely helpful.
chillax bro! ride the radical waves of life
Missing "SKEG", sternward extension of the keel, or a single center fin on surf board.
Could also mention that the stringer helps you find the center of board, a useful reference while thrashing.
Didn't fully proof read, but "wipe outst" fall "off" board, not "of".
sha-dude
On Gidget, the television show, the Kahuna said; "no bunnies in the hole."
No bunnies in the hole
I assume the Kahuna meant; no children in the beach hut(room/building) or no girls in the beach hut(room/building).
this page is sick!!!!
great infomation
Spit out forgot that
Pitted forgot that
Covered up
Getting licked
Getting shacked
what we say is "yewww!!!" when we see a big wave or someone got a gnarly wave
So much fun, words fail me in compliments to all participants but especially to the one(s) whose brain child this site is, congratulations!
At the peeps who started the beach bar/cafe in beautiful Spain -21st Sept, 2012- what did you end up naming it and how's it workin' out? If you're still around I will visit when next time I return to Europe.
Again many thanks for the FUN site!
how about backwash? when the backwash and the incoming wave meet....pretty fun!!! note; watch endless summer movie!!!
Rad list but I didn't see the swell. Make sure you note wind swells and ground swells! But they are difficult to understand at first.
Brought me back to good ol' days living in (the old) Topanga Canyon, and driving up and down the coast after kick ass waves.
This list is bitchin'! Thanks.
A few additions...
Baggies = Loose, drawstring surf shorts.
Cripples or Cripps = Boogie, knee and SUP boarders.
G/S or Grunt Session = Having a bowel movement in the lineup.
Landlord = Shark.
This is very informative but some pictures/drawings of the terms would be most helpful. I am a very visual person but can't seem to grasp some things. I am working on a story and would like to use the correct terminology and have never surfed. (actually I'm afraid of the ocean after nearly drowning)
you also forgot pearling when the nose of the board goes under and you just taste reef or mung out on the sandies
am happy
Hey, am I trippin' or did you miss the FLOATER?
Suh dude. This list is gnarly, this is choka. Brahhh such a good job, Hang 10
Hey do anyone knows what "hydé" means ? my teacher is always yelling that
thanks
xx
reef tax , cuts etc from getting scragged on rocks, reef
Does anyone know what butterball means in surf terms?
"Shubie" should be "Shoobie". Early 20th century tourists that would travel to the shore towns by train carrying their lunches in Shoe Boxes (shoobies).
Pretty fun read! Just getting into surfing. I think the lyric mentioned above for the song Big Gun Board is " Before I kamikaze I need some speed..." Is Kamikaze a surf term too?
Thanks for the terms. I am drafting a book, and my research includes a couple of lessons (no mean feat for a 60 yr old wahine). My knowledge of surf terms was desperately incomplete, so thanks for filling me in!
brah, tubular notes duuuhde
Pop-Out Pocket / In the Pocket Narrabeen
Great list brahhhh i wanna know what ycw means
To bail is to jump of the board to avoid an imminent wipeout. It should be 'To bail is to Jump off the board to avoid imminent wipeout." OFF not OF
Froathin is like excited and sled is surfboard and grom and sleds for like kids
what are the names of the competitions called
No chowder on this list? whaaaa? chowder - all the crap or pollution in the water. could be seaweed, sewage, red tide, foam... u get it.
Chowder is on the list, check under C :)
you forgot drive!! awesome list tho
Hey bruddah, you forgot bruddah. Is that a term?
No Grommet? We were all Groms at some point!
Will someone please explain to me these lyrics in Jan & Dean's song Honolulu Lulu. "When she tried to hook a spinner but her wax wouldn't hold
Over the falls stead of hangin 10" Ithink I got the hanging 10 and over the falls part but what's that "hook a spinner"?
Curtain, e.g., "I was deep in the barrel the curtain closed on me".
Box fin, aka quad fin.
Shred: aggro moves on a wave with resulting spray over the backside visible to those on the outside
Love this! I needed some assistance in building marketing materials for a conference with a "ride the waves" theme and this was perfect!
Over The Falls
Thanks Kye - it's added
I am surprised you don't have howlie (newbie) and Yaa hoo. (An idiot)
love how u hav yalls on there, best spot ever
Nice seeing NC Representing on the Board! And Dirty Lickings, or Washing Machine, are two used in WB and OBX, NC.
For Boogies: We call them FoamHeads.
As ILM is a Uni. Town, we've a lot of kids who've never seen the Ocean "NewJacks" similar to Rookies, but their parents buy them a CI that's wayyyy too advanced, leading to gnarly injuries, and funny as Hell "Tossed" or Not Quite making it over, nor under, an oncoming wave; thus throwing their board and their body backwards, situs. Seriously hilarious.
What do you call a sweet looking wave that fizzles wasting your time?
"Benny" is an acronym for Bayonne, Elizabeth, Newark and New York.
While people from those Boros of NY and North Jersey came down to enjoy the shore and contribute to the economy, they were always a pain in the ass. The best time for shore life was when they went back home.
Neptune, NJ Born
Where is the word "Betty". One of the oldest and well know surf slang for a surfer girl who surfs?
Joe on Sep 22, 2017 about Jan & Dean's song :
Honolulu Lulu. You asked about the next line below -
"When she tried to hook a spinner
but her wax wouldn't hold..."
I'm thinking:
When she tried to do (hook:60's slang for steal) a spin (e.g.,180 or 360) her board's wax job wouldn't hold & she fell off.
Betty added to the list.
This is totally wrong concerning the word "Barney". A "Barney" is a dude who drives around with a surfboard on his car or carries one around to look cool but does NOT surf at all. The guys version is describing a "Kook". Please stop use dumb ass teen agers to define these terms.
Surf Widow = Girlfriend or wife who comes to the beach with her
surfer but does not surf and hang out on the beach instead.
"Trog" -- a non local (australia)
"Rooster Tail"... the drops of water blown off waves by strong offshore wind.
"Corduroy" ... solid line up of waves all the way to the horizon
Btw... The term as 'Pearling", was from longboards.. when the nose dived, usually on take off, and the board stopped, throwing you forward off the board to also be crunched by the breaking wave... You went Pearl diving... aka... Pearling
and...
"Gun" -- is a big wave surfboard... shortened from "Elephant Gun"
How about Trog ( noun) as in a prehistoric cave dweller
Non surfer . As in, You're a Trog
As a Grommet in the fifties, I can't see Plank listed, ie balsa board ?
A term from southern Australia where the waves can be killers and cold was 'death on a stick' as in, 'It's death on a stick out there" or, doas for short. Mind you, it has been 50 years since I've heard it.
as a grommet in the 60s i would go sick mode every second day of the week - yew keep up the goodies broseph. keep it tight x
This was helpful since I don't know anything about surfing, but I would love to learn. The bad news is I probably will never learn I live were people snowboard all the time and it snows almost all the time during the winter.
coffin riding as in lying on your back on the board as you catch the wave
cowabunga!
Thanks brah
Some much love from here to there! Always with love. Onelovelifeliving. Angel mwggw. Cale'l no/ evil
Was their a saying "nose to toes"? I thought this was being said/used in the 70's.
Enjoyed your list but you forgot pocket. It’s the essential section on the face of a wave Giving this surfer thrust and speed .
Gardener - the first line of landlord defense as they normally stand high up and further out, and have a weapon (= paddle). Otherwise known as Standup paddler.
Legend - pro, top surfer, old guy....
Lengendary
oi dude u forgot green room
What is the "channel" in surfing?
Such a legend
Is there a channel about
nothing but praise to y'all. wish I learned to surf earlier, nothing like stepping on a wave and feel its strength inside
You guys missed “butt crack” the place between two peaks when you can’t catch the wave. Getting stuck there can be a drag. This is an antonym for “butt cheek” which is the peak of the wave. Ie. did you see? He hit that one right on the butt cheek!
Ding damage to board
You forgot to mention the measurement term “Hawaiian”, as in “the waves at Dumps today were firing, ten foot Hawaiian!”
And no mention of “Jaws” surf break, or “tow-in”, for that matter.
You should add fin formations like tri tip /thruster, and quad
I just read this and your definition of pearling (Perl) doesn’t show the origin, in the early 1960s we called it “pearl diving “.
nice! very helpfull. i just started surfing, thought i could pick up some slang :)
I never see the term we used to call "Gidget surfing".... just riding small or the whitewater from the breaks into the beach. Straight in. Did it a lot when the locals were being Dicko's or conditions were just bad. Still fun, just a way to get up when everything's closing out....
You forgot "macking" or "mackin' big".
How about "pig dog" as in backside rail-grab tube riding?
Dude I didn’t see narly or knarly. Like obviously you never surfed the meat grinder.
Someone asked if there’s a term for “dragging your hands across the water.” I’ve heard it called “petting the cat.” Also leaving your fingers dangling back and forth lightly beside you.
What about "Vals"? Local hated everyone but locals, but Vals were held in particular disgust. Graffiti was spray painted on overpasses "Vals go home!"
Val Surf was a shop opened in 1962 in Valley Village on Whitsitt and Riverside Dr. Was waaay before Valley Girls became a thing. Same valley Tom Petty mentions in Freefallin'.
"Hold" and "Release" are missing and would be helpful.
70's terms.. Haired (scared) Rhino chaser (gun)
Hand Tracking ' Pearl / Pearl diver ' Leg Rope ( bungee cord ankle leash with leather strap) Victory (victory at sea white caps blown out)
Creator (sore that looks like a volcano from not letting it dry up and heal) Nipple Rash ( from surfing without a wetsuit in Sandy Beach brakes )
Heyo, the "Santana" winds you mention are actually spelled Santa Ana, as in the town in Orange County, California, not the musician Santana. This term is in current use outside the surfer community. These winds are notoriously hot and dry, and are very dangerous in fire season (like the devastation in January 2025). [Was here doing some research, thanks for the great info!]