A-frameA wave that peaks in the center and breaks evenly in both directions (left and right). The ideal wave shape.BailTo intentionally jump off your board before a wipeout or when caught inside.Barrel / TubeThe hollow space inside a curling wave. Riding inside the barrel is one of surfing's greatest experiences.Beach breakA surf spot where waves break over a sandy bottom. More forgiving than reef breaks for beginners.Blown outWhen strong onshore winds make the ocean surface choppy and messy, ruining wave quality.Bottom turnA turn made at the bottom of the wave face to generate speed back up toward the lip.Caught insideBeing stuck between the breaking waves and the shore, unable to paddle out past the break zone.ChannelA deeper section of water alongside the break zone where waves don't break. Used for easy paddling out.ChoppyRough, textured ocean surface caused by wind. Makes waves harder to read and ride.Clean-up setAn unexpectedly large set of waves that breaks further out than normal, catching surfers off guard.Close-outA wave that breaks all at once across its entire length, leaving no open face to ride.DingA crack, dent, or hole in a surfboard's shell. Needs repair to prevent water damage.Drop inTo catch a wave that another surfer already has priority on. The cardinal sin of surfing.Duck diveA technique to push your board underwater to get under an approaching wave. Used with shortboards.FaceThe unbroken, rideable wall of the wave in front of the breaking section.FinThe fin(s) attached to the bottom of a surfboard that provide direction and stability.FlatNo waves. A day with no swell.GlassySmooth, wind-free ocean surface. Ideal surfing conditions.GnarlyIntense, dangerous, or impressive. "That wave was gnarly."Green waveAn unbroken wave — as opposed to whitewash. Catching green waves is an intermediate milestone.Grom / GrommetA young surfer, typically under 16.GunA long, narrow surfboard designed for riding big waves.Impact zoneThe area where waves break with maximum force. Not where you want to sit.InsideThe area between the shoreline and where waves are breaking. Where whitewash runs.KookA beginner or inexperienced surfer who doesn't know the rules. Don't be offended — everyone starts here.LeashThe urethane cord connecting your ankle to your surfboard.LeftA wave that breaks to the left from the surfer's perspective (riding toward shore).LineupThe area in the water where surfers sit and wait for waves, just beyond where they break.LipThe top edge of a breaking wave as it pitches forward.LullA calm period between sets of waves.OffshoreWind blowing from land toward the sea. Creates clean, well-groomed waves. Best conditions.OnshoreWind blowing from the sea toward land. Creates choppy, messy conditions.OutsideBeyond where the waves are breaking. The area where surfers paddle to wait for sets.Over the fallsBeing sucked up and thrown over with the lip of a breaking wave. A dramatic wipeout.PeakThe highest point of a wave, where it begins to break.PearlWhen the nose of your board digs underwater, usually causing a wipeout. Often caused by weight too far forward.Point breakA wave that breaks along a rocky point or headland, creating long, peeling rides.Pop-upThe movement of going from lying to standing on a surfboard.QuiverA surfer's collection of boards for different conditions.Reef breakA wave that breaks over coral or rock reef. Can produce perfect waves but is less forgiving than sand.RightA wave that breaks to the right from the surfer's perspective.Rip currentA strong, narrow channel of water flowing away from shore. Dangerous for swimmers; surfers use them to paddle out.SetA group of waves arriving together, typically 3-7 waves with consistent spacing.ShakaThe classic surf hand signal — thumb and pinky extended, middle three fingers folded. Means "hang loose."ShortboardA small, maneuverable surfboard (5'6-6'6 ft) designed for high-performance surfing.Soft-topA surfboard with a foam deck. Ideal for beginners due to safety and stability.StokedExtremely excited or happy. The feeling after a great wave.SwellEnergy moving through the ocean that creates waves when it reaches shallow water.Turtle rollFlipping your longboard upside down and holding on underneath to get through a wave. Used when a board is too big to duck dive.Whitewash / WhitewaterThe broken, foamy part of a wave after it breaks. Where beginners learn to surf.WipeoutFalling off your board while riding a wave.