Interpreting The Lingo And Other Basics To Surfing
December 4th, 2008

Surfing is a sport with a long history. Invented by the islanders of Hawaii in the late fourteenth and early fifteenth century, the United States saw a gigantic surge in popularity of this sport in the 1960s. Suddenly surfing was hip, in, and an entire subculture sprang up around the fiberglass board. Movies were made that prominently featured the surfing communities, music sang of their exploits, and an accomplished surfer was akin to a hero figure in many beach towns.

When you come right down to it, the basics of surfing are really not all that complicated. You obviously need a beach and some waves, a surfboard, a leash attached to the board and to you to make sure you can retrieve your board if you fall off, and maybe even a wetsuit to keep you warm during long exposure to water. It will help to practice standing on the board and getting on the board before you actually hit the waves. Similarly, acquaint yourself with the proper etiquette that should be observed when surfing with others. Nothing is worse than being dubbed a rude surfer when you can avoid this label with simply a few friendly gestures and some advice from experienced surfers.

Yet some wonder what it is about the lingo that seems to get thrown about by surfers. Never mind the weird hand signals and handshakes (they're just showmanship); the lingo however is at times truly important to communicate exactly what it is that you need. Some terms are obvious, others a bit odd, and some may be considered downright Byzantine. Here are some examples:

The term "Eddie would go" is frequently banded about in surfing circles when surfers are daring and double dog daring each other to take on waves that regular surfers would not consider tackling. Eddie is none other than famed surfer and tragic figure Eddie Aikau who gained famed and a stellar reputation in surfing circles around 1975 to '77. In 1978 he disappeared when trying to get help for shipmates that were hanging on to a capsized boat.

Whatever you do, do not give away the locations of great surfing spots that others have entrusted to you in confidence. Doing so will earn you the title, "namer" which is tantamount to blaming you for any crowds that appear at that spot. The next time you face your surfing buddies, if they are still on speaking terms with you, you might as well wear a scarlet letter on your wetsuit.

Another term that you definitely do not want to have attached to your name is that of "quimby." A quimby is a surfing newbie who is more of a pest and etiquette breaker than a novice who is truly trying to learn the sport.

Going on "dawn patrol" simply means to go surfing in the early morning before the sun comes up. The advantages are obvious: a lot less people.

A more serious term that anyone heading into the ocean should know is that of "rip tide" or "rip." A rip is a current in the water that heads straight out into the open ocean. Swimmers who are caught in a rip will be carried out to sea and sometimes drown because they tire themselves out by trying to swim against the current, which is an exercise in futility. Instead, hang on to your board and enjoy the ride, or swim with the current but try to get to the edge of the current and the simply swim out of its side. While this will take you to the ocean, your board will help you to get back.

As you can see, the surfing community thrives on its sense of belonging and yes, as a novice you will probably earn a bit of ridicule in the beginning. Don't try so hard to fit in, but instead respect others' space, apologize when you break an etiquette rule, and just try your best when you're out there. Don't let some of the territorial surfers get to you, and instead hang out with those who will show you the ropes. Once you have mastered the art of surfing, remember your humble beginnings when the next newbie stumbles onto the beach with a brand new, unused, unscratched surfboard in hand

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