Surfing is growing strong as a sport, becoming popular with children, teenager and adults who enjoy adrenaline sports and want to expand their limits. If you are looking for a great adventure and at the same time enjoy nature, then it is the time for you to go surfing and learn more about this amazing sport. The following will give you an introduction to a few basic terms, or surf lingo, that you can put into practice the next time you jump into the water.
First thing to do: Check out the waves
- Flat: no waves
- Close out: the waves breaking at every position along the face at once
- Choppy: waves with a rough surface made by cross wind
- Off the Hook: a phrase that means the waves have a good size and nice shape, so this is the moment to get your board and jump into the water
When you are already lying on the board in the water, the first thing you have to do is:
- The Duck-dive: you need to pass under the breaking wave, pushing the nose first and then the tail with your foot underwater and diving under to get into the…
- Line up: this is where the waves breaks and the right spot to be to get a good wave. Once in the line up you have to look for the best position to paddle the wave from which is called…
- The Inside: the closest section to the peak of the wave. The closer you are to the main peak, then the more “rights” you have to ride that wave over the rest of the people around.
Once on a wave you pump up or stand on the board in one move for the take off and start looking for speed to see if you can make some tricks.
The most common surf tricks are:
- The Carve: turns
- Floater: ride the top of a breaking wave and coming down with it
- Snap: a quick, sharp turn off the top of a wave
- Off the top: turn on the top of the wave, either sharp or carving
- Cutback: when you turn toward the breaking part of the wave
- Fins free snap: sharp turn where the surfboard’s fins slide off the top of the wave
- Air or Aerial: ride the board briefly into the air above the wave, landing back upon the wave, and continuing to ride.
Whenever you’re ready to enjoy a fun ride, we’re here to help! Whether you’re beginning or advanced, let us help you plan your perfect Costa Rica Surf Trip!
Real Surf Trips in Playa Negra, Costa Rica provides its guests with first class accommodations, one-of-a-kind service and over 20 years of local surf knowledge, guaranteed to give you the Costa Rica Surf Trip you’ve been dreaming of!