TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | NOV 2018 7
By Allie Hayser
Happy November! The upside to Florence and Michael passing through…
we got some surf days in. Some of us enjoyed the peak of the action
with the crazy winds and currents, others waited for the storms to leave
behind some glassy clean days, and a few tripped down to Florida to
get more size, consistency, and more options. I love the feels that these
storms bring through the surf community. Excitement of watching the
waves build, storytelling of past storms, friends you haven’t surfed with
in a while… the energy is contagious. Whether you are a beginner or
you’ve been a salty storm-seasoned surfer, you wake up one day and
realize that you actually understand your friend’s oral report descriptions,
know what to expect when swells are moving through, and all of the surf
jargon talk from the boardwalk. For this month’s article, I think it’s helpful
and fun to share some jargon with you.
• Ankle Biters: Smallest of the small waves (take out the longest board
that you can find!)
• Blown Out: Visual description of when the winds are acting too strongly
on waves. The waves don’t really crest and break, they look “crumbly”
and usually are hard to paddle into to get enough power to ride.
• Set: A series of waves incoming towards shore that are similar in
direction, shape, and appearance to each other.
• Clean: When waves in a set are almost identical to those coming
behind them and breaking in a way that you can see the face of the wave
moving in definite directions. You can see the shape of the waves forming
well before they make it to the lineup. (When waves are clean, it’s great
practice for wave-reading, a great way to learn where the “peak” is,
which direction you would try to ride each wave, and where you would
situate yourself in the lineup. Do it from the beach or the lineup in the
water.)
• Peak: Where the wave breaks out to the sides. The origin of a ride. The
wave preference to the surfer in this position. Where the lip/crest of the
wave is high and powerful enough to start breaking.
• Glassy: The waves are smooth, not textured from winds, and usually
waves are only coming from one direction (not much “cross currents”).
• Closeout: The scenario where a wave breaks all at once. There usually
isn’t any time to make it down the wave going left or right so you can
either ride straight in or get caught by the lip “closing out.”
• Dawn Patrol: Sunrise surf sessions. Winds are usually lighter in the
mornings so the waves are more likely to be cleaner, less people out, and
watching the sun rise out of the water is the best way to start a day.
• Dumping: When waves are breaking pretty hard and heavy riiiiight on
the sand in shallow water. This happens A LOT down at the south end,
but you feel more connected/dedicated the more sand you collect in your
suit… trust me on that! But seriously, it can be dangerous to wipeout in
shallow water with the sand and a hard, sharp board with a fin. Dumping
waves break fast, so be warned if your pop-up is a little slow.
• Going off: Refers to a surf spot that has optimal conditions with
consistent sets coming in and nice rides. If you hear a spot is “going off,”
cancel your day plans and get out there. Tybee doesn’t always go off!
• Goofy-footed: Right foot is placed in front of the left foot on the board.
Usually these surfers enjoy going left to face the wave on their ride.
• Regular-footed: Left foot is placed in front of the right foot. These
surfers face the wave going right.
• Inside: The “impact zone” where waves are breaking. AKA whitewash.
Where you end up after riding a wave in towards the beach. When on the
inside, watch for incoming surfers that might have taken the next wave
in the set and are trying to make the most of their ride to the inside as
well.
• Outside: Where the lineup usually is situated, past the breaking waves.
Also refers to the next incoming set and surfers starting to paddle outside
towards it.
• Stoked: AKA “frothing.” You are enthusiastic, excited, exhilarated…
can’t wait to paddle out! Your smile is beaming on a wave, sharing that
energy, you are lovin’ it! You feel gratitude towards the ocean and a little
lusty and dreamy about the next time you can go back out.
• Washing Machine: Also referred to as “getting worked.” Humbling,
detoxifying, and good for the soul. When you wipeout from a wave and
you are spun around underwater in the “wash” a few times. Not usually
referring to a gentle cycle...
Thanks for reading, always stoked to share some surf talk with y’all!
Surf Jargon