Learning to surf is much easier when you understand the language of the sea. Here are some basic surf terms that will help you feel more confident in the water and respect other surfers 🤙
🌊 Swell
A swell is a set of waves that forms far from the coast due to wind or storms in the open sea and travels to the beach.
👉 Not all waves are the same: size, strength and time between waves depend on the swell.
🔁 Sets
A set is a group of waves that arrive together. Usually, several waves come in a row, followed by a short pause.
👉 Key tip: wait for the good set instead of paddling out on the first small wave.
🛣 Surf Channel (channel)
The surf channel is an area where the water flows back to the sea and the waves do not break .
👉 It's used to get in and out of the sea more easily, without fighting the waves. In Mazatlán, it's pure gold for beginners 😌
🧍The line-up
The line is where surfers wait for waves. It's not a literal line, but there are rules of respect.
🤝 How to get in line when there are other surfers?
Very important to avoid bad moments:
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Enter the water through the channel , not where the waves are breaking.
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Don't stand directly in front of the surfer who is already waiting.
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The surfer closest to the point where the wave breaks has priority
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If someone is already paddling the wave, don't jump in (that's called a drop-in 🚫)
🚫 Drop-in
Dropping in is like catching a wave when someone else already had priority.
👉 It's one of the most important rules of surfing and a surefire way to get some dirty looks if you don't respect it 😅
🏄♂️ Take off
The take off is the moment when you stand up on the board.
👉 At first it may be the most difficult, but with practice it becomes natural.
✨ Final tip: surfing is not just about strength, it's also about observation, respect, and patience.
If you understand these words and rules from the beginning, your progress will be faster and you will enjoy each session much more.
📍Do you want to learn to surf safely and have fun in Mazatlán?
Schedule your class with us and enter the sea with confidence 🤍🌊
