Definition: A softboard is a surfboard with a soft surface, often used for learning. It's safer for beginners because of its softer construction and buoyancy.

Definition: A surf spot is simply a place where conditions are conducive to the formation of surfable waves, and therefore to surfing. Spots vary according to wind, current, bottom, etc.

Definition: The squash tail is a type of surf tail with a rectangular shape and rounded corners. It offers a good compromise between stability and agility, ideal for a variety of surfing styles. These boards are perfect for...

Definition: Stand-up paddling, or SUP, is a type of surfboard where the surfer stands on a large board and uses a paddle to move around. It's a popular activity because it's fun and easy to...

Definition: The swallow tail is a surf tail shape resembling a swallow tail. This shape offers good maneuverability, particularly in small to medium waves, and above all greater ease of paddling and speed...

Definition: A swell is a set of waves generated by distant winds in the open sea. Swell quality is therefore crucial to surfing conditions, with long, regular swells being ideal.

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: A reef break is a surf spot where waves break on a coral reef bottom. These waves are often clean, hollow and repetitive, but can be more dangerous because of the reef close to...

Definition: A regular surfer is one who stands on his board with his left foot in front. This is the opposite of a goofy surfer, who stands with his right foot in front. The left foot is your support foot...

Definition: The rocker of a surfboard is the curvature of its length (how taut the nose is). A pronounced rocker facilitates "late" take-offs in the trough, fast maneuvers and turns in very steep waves...

Definition: The rodeo air is an extremely advanced aerial maneuver in surfing that consists of a complete turn in the air, often with a flip at the end of the rotation. It is often performed backside. As you can see...

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.