Things longboarders say • your guide to some must-know surf slang

If you've ever sat in the lineup and felt like longboarders were speaking their own secret language, you’re not alone. Longboarding isn’t just a sport, it’s a culture, a lifestyle, and with that comes its own unique way of talking about waves, rides, and everything in between. This guide will help you understand all essential longboard slang so you can understand, connect.

Essential longboarding slang you need to know

Log

[lawg] • Surf slang
(n.) A classic longboard, usually 9’0” or longer, designed for smooth rides and traditional noseriding.
"That new log rides like a dream, so smooth on a glassy wave!"

Longboard

[lawng-bawrd] • Surf slang
(n.) A broader term that includes both traditional and modern designs, typically 8’0” to 10’0” in length.
"I’m taking my longboard out today, perfect conditions for cruising!"

Single fin

[sing-guhl-fin] • Surf slang
(n.) A classic longboard fin setup with one fin, offering a smooth, flowing ride and optimal noseriding.
"I love riding a single fin,it just feels more connected to the wave."

Noseriding

[noh-zur-rahy-ding] • Surf slang
(n.) The act of walking to the front of the board and balancing on the nose while riding a wave.
"She's noseriding like a prooo!"

Noserider

[noh-zur-rahy-der] • Surf slang
(n.) A surfer specializing in riding the nose of their board. Also, a swimwear brand.
"He’s such a smooth noserider, always styling at the front!"

Hang five

[hang-fahyv] • Surf slang
(v.) Placing five toes over the nose of the board while maintaining control and style.
"I’m working on my hang five"

Hang ten

[hang-ten] • Surf slang
(v.) The ultimate longboarding move—all ten toes hanging over the nose of the board.
"That was a perfect hang ten"

Cheater five

[chee-ter-fahyv] • Surf slang
(n.) A lazy version of Hang 5, where one foot stretches forward without fully cross-stepping.
"I always use a cheater five when I’m too lazy to cross-step!"

Cross-step

[kraws-step] • Surf slang
(v.) A dance-like movement where the surfer walks up and down the board to maintain balance and control.
"Her cross-step is so smooth, it’s like watching ballet on water!"

Switch stance

[swich-stans] • Surf slang
(n.) Riding with the opposite foot forward, requiring balance and skill.
"He cross-stepped into a switch stance, legendary!"

Cruise

[krooz] • Surf slang
(v.) Riding smoothly and effortlessly, just enjoying the glide.
"Just out here cruising and soaking up the sun!"

Glide

[glahyd] • Surf slang
(n.) The smooth, effortless feeling of riding a wave perfectly.
"That wave had the dreamiest glide, felt like flying!"

Shuffle

[shuhf-uhl] • Surf slang
(n.) Quick crab-like steps when rushing to the nose instead of cross-stepping.
"I panicked and started shuffling instead of cross-stepping!"

Dawn Patrol

[dawn-puh-trohl] • Surf slang

(n.) An early morning surf session, often before sunrise.

"Woke up at 5 AM for dawn patrol. Totally worth it!"

Cutback

[kuht-bak] • Surf slang
(n.) A stylish turn back toward the wave’s face to stay in the power zone.
"That was a perfect cutback. So smooth!"

Soul arch

[sohl-ahrch] • Surf slang
(n.) A classic longboard pose where the back is arched gracefully for style points.
"That soul arch was straight out of a 60s surf movie!"

Stoked

[stohkt] • Surf slang
(adj.) The pure joy and excitement that surfing brings.
"That session was amazing. I’m so stoked right now!"

So get out there, get the stoke, and maybe one day someone will say you nice noseride 

See you in the lineup!

Anais ✿

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