Surfing
Surfing
A glossary: Types of Surfing Wipeouts
A glossary of the number of ways you can be thrown off board.
What is a surfing wipeout?
Wipeout is a classic term used in surfing lingo to imply one being thrown off the board by a wave. It is not uncommon for surfers to get wiped out every once in a while. In fact, if you aren’t getting wiped out, it is quite possible that you aren’t pushing yourself hard enough.
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ABC of Surfing: Wipe Out
Wiping out in Surfing is painful - Peruvian pro surfer Cristobal de Col explains all in ABC Surfing
Nature at times can be quite unpredictable, and there is not just one way in which you can be tossed around by a wave. Therefore, it makes sense to learn about the type of wipeouts you can possibly face in choppy waters.
Axe
When a wave’s lip directly smashes into the surfer, the heavy impact made on the human body feels like an axe cutting through, hence the name for the wipeout. This wipeout is also referred to as 'drilled' or 'pummelled'.
Over the Falls
This is one of the fatal kinds. In this type of wipeout, the surfer gets sucked back over to the top of a wave and free falls with the lip which is the powerful part of the wave. There is a great likelihood of hitting the reef or the ocean floor in an 'Over the Falls' wipeout.
Pearl
Named after pearl diving, this type of wipeout takes place when the nose or the tip of the surfboard goes under water. The likelihood of such a wipeout occurs when one drops into the steep part of a wave.
Spin Out
A spin out happens when a surfer turns too hard either in a very steep part of a wave, or on a bump in the water. The fins of the surfboard release their leverage as it slides out from beneath the surfer and wiping him out.
Two Wave Hold Down
During an extreme wipeout, one may get held down beneath the surface for two successive waves. The likelihood of a two-wave-hold-down is great in large surf with foamy conditions, which may make it difficult to swim to the surface.
Falling is the part and parcel of extreme sports. It signifies learning and enrichment of experience that will help you hone your skill. However, it is important to learn how to take a fall gracefully and avoid injuries, to save yourself for the next wave.
