SURF DICTIONARY

Now that you’re all in the school mindset, it’s the perfect time to study up on some essential surf jargon. Throwing around these words will make you sound like a real grom, so study hard!

First up, let’s talk about “stoked.” This term is used to express excitement or enthusiasm, and you’ll often hear surfers saying they’re stoked about catching a great wave. Next, there’s “barrel” or “tube,” which refers to the hollow part of a wave that forms when it breaks. If you manage to ride inside this part of the wave, you’re experiencing one of surfing’s ultimate thrills.

Another important term is “cutback,” a maneuver where the surfer changes direction sharply to stay in the power zone of the wave. Then we have “duck dive,” a technique used to push the surfboard under an oncoming wave to get past the break. Mastering the duck dive is crucial for paddling out to the lineup without getting washed back to shore.

Don’t forget about “wipeout,” which, as you might guess, refers to falling off your board spectacularly. It’s something every surfer experiences, so wear your wipeouts with pride! Finally, “lineup” is where surfers wait for their turn to catch a wave, and showing respect in the lineup is key to surf etiquette.

Diving into the evolution of surfers! Picture this: a tiny tot as young as 4 hitting the waves at Summertime Surf, earning the title of “keiki,” Hawaiian for little ones. Fast forward a few years, and they level up to “groms,” still young surfers under 15 and for female groms, a “wahine,” representing girl power in Hawaiian culture.

So, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned rider, knowing these terms will not only help you communicate more effectively but also deepen your connection to the surfing community. Happy surfing!