You don't have to know the slang to learn how to surf, but it
definitely helps. Otherwise, you won't have any idea what everyone on
the beach is saying. Many surfer slang terms are self-explanatory or can
be understood through context. But, if you want to prepare yourself
ahead of time, consider taking the time to learn these common words and
phrases.
Axed
In surfer terms, getting "axed" doesn't mean being hit with an
actual ax, but it sure can feel like it. If you get axed, it means you
were hit by a wave. It happens to every surfer at some point, which is
likely the reason such a descriptive word exists for it.
Grommet
If you're new to the surfing community, you'll likely hear this
being tossed around. The word "grommet," sometimes shortened to "grom,"
generally refers to a new surfer. It isn't a derogatory term, but simply
a statement of fact. If you don't want to be called a grommet, you'll
have to earn that right on the waves.
Poke
According to the Riptionary, to "poke" is to accidentally dip
the nose of your board in the water while you're dropping in on a wave.
Since the goal is to keep your board above the water instead of under
it, this mistake can easily lead to becoming submerged in a rushing
wave. It will probably happen to you at some point, but now you have
something to call it.
Snake
Being called a snake isn't a good thing; it means you're hogging
all of the waves. A snake drops in when it isn't their turn, especially
on a crowded day on the beach. To avoid this, make sure you pay
attention to when other surfers are out there, and make room if it isn't
your turn.
Offshore and Onshore
Technically, these are two surfing words, but they are equally
important. If the wind is blowing offshore, it means the waves are great
for surfing. If it's blowing onshore, those waves are weak. This is
because an offshore wind shapes the incoming waves, making them perfect
to surf. If the wind is blowing in the same direction as the waves, they
have no shape or definition.
New slang words are cropping up in the surf community all the
time, so don't expect to learn them all right away. The first thing you
should learn is how to be a surfer, not how to speak like one. If you
show up as a grommet and try to talk the talk without riding a wave or
two first, you'll likely be laughed at. Instead, just get out there,
learn how to enjoy the waves, and let the slang come naturally.
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