Definition: The period in surfing is defined in seconds and is the time interval between two successive waves. The longer the period, the further the waves have travelled. They are generally more powerful and of better quality...

Definition: Thermal wind is the wind generated by the temperature difference between the ocean and the land. This wind usually arrives in the late morning or early afternoon, starting from the ocean and arriving on land....

Definition: A "ding" is a small fart, breaking the resin and/or fiber on a surfboard. This is caused by impact and requires repair to prevent the board from taking on water.

Definition: The leash is the elastic cord that attaches the ankle to the back of the surfboard. This material prevents you from losing your board if you fall, so you don't have to go looking for it...

Definition: The peak of a wave is the highest point of the wave, where it starts to break. It's therefore the ideal place to start on the wave, as it offers my best speed, the best takeoff...

Definition: This is the upper part of the wave at the hollow zone. It will either form a tube, or roll out and create foam. It's the perfect place to tap a radical maneuver and make a...

Definition: The line-up is where all the surfers position themselves to catch a wave. There is usually a concept of waiting involved as well. Each surfer waits his turn to catch his wave, like a queue...

Definition: Longboards are the original long surfboards (over 7 feet). Long and wide, they allow better balance and speed on certain types of soft waves. They are, however, difficult to turn, so...

Definition: The replacement maneuver is the term used for all maneuvers that enable you to get back to the right spot in the wave to pick up speed again. Simple carves and cutbacks are...

Definition: Mellow waves are soft and often long. They are therefore perfect for longboards and fine twin fishes. These waves are also perfect for beginner to intermediate surfers.

Definition: The mini malibu is a type of intermediate surfboard. It's based on the outline of a longboard, with the format of a small board between 7'0 and 8'0. It's a good compromise between stability and...

Definition: A goofy is a surfer who surfs with the right foot as the front foot. The dominant foot is therefore the left foot, which will be at the back, on the tail.

Definition: The groveler is a shortboard-type surfboard, with a more generous volume and rounder curves. These boards make it easier to surf in light conditions requiring superior floatability. They are designed...

Definition: The cutback is the reference maneuver for gaining speed when the shoulder is not long enough. It consists of forming an 8 in the water. The first step is to climb to the top of the wave, before returning to the bottom...

Definition: The gun is the long board used by big-wave surfers. These are boards made for surfing big waves over 2 meters. They give you better paddling and speed, so you can get away with...

Definition: When a wave isn't hollow enough and doesn't benefit from a wall or shoulder, it's a question of staying in the pocket. In other words, you stay inside the wave, in the...

Definition: The hang ten is the longboard maneuver that consists of positioning the 2 feet on the nose of the board. The toes can even come out of the board. This requires a relatively long board...

Definition: Daggerboards or fins are located at the rear of the board to stabilize the board's trajectory and provide drive. Some boards exist without fins, such as Alaia boards. These boards have...

Definition: The inside is the inner part of the wave. The term is used to define priority. The surfer on the inside is the person who has priority on the wave.

Definition: The diamond tail is a surf tail halfway between the round tail, the pin tail and the squash tail. This tail offers better maneuverability than the squash tail, and a slightly easier transition from one rail to the other...