Definition: A closeout is simply a wave that closes all at once. As a result, it's impossible to surf, so you can only head straight out to sea.

Definition: The air reverse is the aerial technique which consists of turning 180° outwards (towards the beach) in the air following the board's take-off. Replacing the board is done in the opposite direction, i.e....

Definition: Duck diving is the technique used to pass under the wave. It involves using a small board with low buoyancy. You'll have to stretch out your arms to make the nose of the board pass under the wave...

Definition: The Alley Oop is an aerial trick that's not so widely used, yet it's not lacking in style. This trick consists of an aerial rotation following the board's take-off, in the direction...

Definition: The cross-shore wind is a side wind (from left to right or right to left) which in some cases will slightly improve the wave, or degrade it, depending on the direction and intensity of the wind.

Definition: This is the positioning technique that consists of starting from the inside of the wave (in counter bowl) and therefore before the tube. This allows you to enter the tube from, you guessed it, the back door. You'll need to...

Definition: The backside position, as in other board disciplines, means that the wave, or slide bar, is at your back. This position in the wave is often unappreciated for its lack of visibility...

Definition: Backwash is the rebound/explosion that some waves make when the wave hits a sandbank. You'll see an instant projection of water towards the water. It can be a lot of fun, but it can also be very dangerous if you're...

Definition: The bat tail is a surf tail shape reminiscent of the curves and tips of a bat's wing. The particularity of this tail is its width, which allows for greater speed in...

Definition: The baïne is like a basin of water at the edge of the ocean, which appears during high tides. It creates an inland current at the point of greatest water movement, and depending on the...

Definition: A sandbar is a sand bed that defines the shape and structure of the wave, depending on the swell and direction. It is therefore an essential element in beach breaks (sand waves), as it is the parameter...