If you want to be in the know about surfing, you’re going to need to learn the lingo. We’ve put the most commonly used surfing terms in one handy list for you.
Aerial
When a surfer takes off from the top of the wave into the air and lands back riding on the face of the wave
Backside or Backhand
Riding a wave with your back facing the wall of the wave.
Barrel, Tube or Pitt
When a surfer rides the inside of a hollow breaking wave, being covered up by the wave.
Bro
A friendly term signify strong friendship usually between males.
Channel
Deep water gap between banks or reefs where waves are breaking.
Dawny
An early morning surf.
Dude or Dudette
A casual term for a male or female surfer.
Face
The unbroken surface of the wave where most surfing takes place.
Frothing
When someone is particularly excited about something. “I’m frothing to go surf”.
Glassy
Smooth, oil like seas due to calm wind conditions.
Gnarly
An action considered difficult, dangerous or challenging. “That was a gnarly wave”.
Grommet
A name used for surfers under the age of 18.
Green room
The inside of a big barrel.
Hang Loose
Being in a relaxed and chilled state of physical and mental well being.
Kook
Used for a beginner surfer or someone who messed up a wave or is a pain out in the water or simply a derogatory term from one surfer to another.
Pig Dog
To lay back into the wave face and drag your hand whilst in the tube.
Pumping
When the waves are really good they are pumping!
Quiver
A surfer’s collection of boards.
Radical
A description of something that was especially impressive.
Wipe out
When a surfer falls off their surfboard.
