Surfing is a way of life in California, so it is no surprise that surfing vocabulary and slang are parts of the language on the West Coast! We are providing an infographic from Finbin (a website about water sports) about the bodyboarding vs. surfing debate. Do you know the difference? Have you tried both, and if so, which do you prefer? The language in the infographic is for advanced students, but students of every level can learn the surfer slang it includes!
Surfing Vocabulary and Slang
Blackball (black ball)
Definition: The black flag (with a large black circle) that lifeguards use during “no surfing” times. The word is now also used to talk about prohibited areas or actions.
Example: Who is most likely to get insanely barreled in that black ball beach break?
Barreled
Definition: Hit by a wave
Example: Who is most likely to get insanely barreled in that black ball beach break?
Beach break
Definition: When waves break over a sandy area.
Example: Who is most likely to get insanely barreled in that black ball beach break?
Home break
Definition: Your preferred surf location.
Example: If your home break is a spot shared by surfers and bodyboarders alike, you’ve probably heard side comments about the unspoken rivalry.
Lineup
Definition: The line of surfers waiting (in the water) for a wave.
Example: It became easier for all types of individuals–young, old, and older–to paddle to the lineup and catch a wave to get their fill of stoke.
Paddle
Definition: To place your arms in the water and use them to move your surfboard.
Example: It became easier for all types of individuals–young, old, and older–to paddle to the lineup and catch a wave to get their fill of stoke.
Prone position
Definition: The position a bodyboarder is in: holding on to the board, stomach on the board.
Example: The prone position offers more stability and balance.
Radical
Definition: An expression meaning “cool.”
Example: You’ll get to ride waves in more radical ways and you sure will have the biggest smile on your face.
Stoke
Definition: “excitement.”
Example: It became easier for all types of individuals–young, old, and older–to paddle to the lineup and catch a wave to get their fill of stoke.
Wipe out
Definition: To fall off the surfboard.
Example: You also won’t have to worry about falling off and wiping out.
Bodyboarding vs. Surfing
Thank you to Finbin for this infographic about the differences between bodyboarding and surfing! CISL often arranges beach activities such as surf lessons: ask the Front Desk for information or check out the month’s Activities Calendar.
Additional Vocabulary
Attest to
Definition: To affirm something is true.
Example: Global surfing competitions, giant surf brands, million-dollar surf movies, and all the images circulating on print and digital media can all attest to the overgrown bubble that has enveloped much of surfing.
Avid
Definition: Enthusiastic.
Example: Morey himself was an avid surfer.
To burst (a/one’s) bubble
Definition: To destroy a feeling of happiness or a commonly accepted idea.
Example: Tom Morey burst that bubble when he invented the bodyboard in 1971.
Catch on
Definition: To become more popular.
Example: The trend has caught on.
Charge (something)
Definition: To run to something with great speed (or, in this case, swim to something).
Example: You can charge bigger waves like it was a walk in the park with a bodyboard . . .
Downside
Definition: Disadvantages.
Example: It’s hard to think of a downside to bodyboarding.
Dwellers
Definition: People who live somewhere.
Example: History has it that the first surfers among the Pacific dwellers were those who had royal blood.
Elevated
Definition: A higher level.
Example: Surfing has always enjoyed an elevated status as the sport of kings.
Exclusive
Definition: Not available to most people.
Example: This status gave surfing its sublime appeal, make it aspirational and somewhat exclusive.
Game for
Definition: Prepared; ready for.
Example: What are you game for?
Physiques
Definition: Physical forms (bodies).
Example: Bodyboarding can be enjoyed by riders of all ages and physiques.
Overgrown
Definition: Enlarged; too large.
Example: Global surfing competitions, giant surf brands, million-dollar surf movies, and all the images circulating on print and digital media can all attest to the overgrown bubble that has enveloped much of surfing.
Tug-o-war
Definition: A game in which two teams pull on a rope and try to pull the team towards them.
Example: Nobody knows who declared this psychological war between wave riders and their differing weapons of choice, but it looks like the silent tug-o-war is here to stay.
Tune out
Definition: Stop listening to someone or something.
Example: If you can tune out the haters, you’ll have no reason to regret picking up a bodyboard.
Sublime
Definition: A level of spiritual happiness and divinity.
Example: This status gave surfing its sublime appeal.
Would you like to learn more surfer slang? Check out our articles The Word Gnarly, and California Surfer Slang for English Students.