For today’s tutorial, our main focus will be the structure of a wave.
We’ll be delving into its various components
1. Face
The face of a wave is the smooth, inclined surface where surfers spend most of their time riding.
2. Lip
The lip is the uppermost part of the wave, just before it breaks.
3. Shoulder
The shoulder is less steep than the face and provides longer, gentler rides.
4. Crest or Peak
The crest or peak is the highest point of the wave, where it’s unbroken and offers the potential for the steepest drops.
5. Trough
The trough is the wave’s lowest point, below the peak.
6. Tube or Barrel
The tube or barrel is a hollow, cylindrical section of the wave created when the lip folds over.
7. Impact Zone
The impact zone is where the waves are breaking.
8. Curl
The curl is the part of the wave where the lip is folding over, creating the hollow section of the tube.
9. Whitewater
Whitewater is the foamy, turbulent water that results from the breaking of the wave.
Waves can vary greatly in size, shape, and power, so it’s important to adapt your approach to the specific waves you’re riding. Knowing the different parts of a wave will help you position yourself properly, time your paddling and takeoff, and execute maneuvers effectively.
