Definition: The tail of a surfboard is the rear end of the board. Its shape (round tail, pin tail, squash tail, etc.) and size influence the way the board handles waves, affecting stability and...

Definition: A shore break is a type of wave that breaks very close to or directly on the beach. These waves can be powerful and dangerous, but also offer a thrilling ride. These waves are short, powerful, slightly...

Definition: A tail pad is an adhesive foam piece placed on the tail of a surfboard. It provides better grip and increased control for the feet during maneuvers, particularly useful for turns...

Definition: Unlike a longboard, a shortboard is a relatively short, thin board (under 7 feet) designed for fast, radical maneuvers and committed surfing. It is preferred by advanced surfers and...

Definition: The tail slide is a maneuver in which the surfer slides the back of the board (the tail) sideways over the wave. This gives a gliding effect and a temporary loss of control, adding style and...

Definition: "Shredder" is a term to describe the action of surfing and ripping the face of the wave by sending out sprays of water spray. This means surfing with intensity and radicalism, often involving complex maneuvers...

Definition: The take-off is the transition from lying down to standing up on the board. It's a strategic moment that determines whether or not you'll succeed on the wave, your speed and the resulting maneuvers....

Definition: sideshore winds blow parallel to the coast. It can affect wave quality, sometimes making them messy or difficult to surf.

Definition: taxing is a surfing term that refers to the action of catching a wave on which another surfer already has priority. It's considered a lack of respect for the rules of surfing priority.

Definition: A single fin surfboard has a single center fin. This style of board offers a glide with wide turns and is often favored for longboarding and classic "old school" surfing.

Definition: A skimboard is a small, flat board used to glide over the fine layer of water and foam at the edge of the beach. Skimboarding is both a sport and a leisure activity, different from traditional surfing.

Definition: The roller is one of the basic maneuvers for intermediate to advanced surfers, where the surfer makes a fast, powerful turn at the top of the wave, often by changing rails in the wave. The turn...

Definition: A round house is a maneuver in which the surfer performs an 8 like a cut-back. However, this turn is much stronger, with a real radical roller at the end of the maneuver. This allows the rider to return to the section...

Definition: The round pin tail is a surfboard tail shape characterized by a rounded, slightly pointed tip. This shape offers a good compromise between stability and maneuverability, making it ideal for...

Definition: The round tail is a rounded backboard. This style offers a smooth transition between carves and is well suited to good quality, varied and powerful waves, offering a good compromise between maneuverability...

Definition: A wave section is a specific part of the wave that offers different manoeuvring opportunities. For example, a hollow section is ideal for a tube, while a flatter section allows for cut-backs.

Definition: A semi-gun is a surfboard designed for bigger, more powerful waves than standard shortboards, but not as long as real guns. It therefore offers better paddling and a good balance between...

Definition: A pin tail is a surfboard with a pointed tail. This design offers more control and stability, especially in big, hollow, powerful waves, like a rudder. The passage from a rail...

Definition: In surfing, a series refers to a group of waves arriving consecutively. Series are often separated by lulls, which can be longer or shorter depending on the spacing of the series. The more distant the swell...

Definition: A point break is a type of surf spot where waves break from a specific point, often around a headland or rocky point. These waves often offer a long, steady ride. These waves can...