General
barrel
What does barrel mean?
The effect when a wave rolls over and encloses a temporary horizontal tunnel of air. Riding inside it is the ultimate surfing experience.
"He pulled into a perfect barrel and came out the other end still standing."
Origin
Descriptive surf term for the barrel-shaped hollow of a breaking wave.
Frequently asked questions
What is a barrel in surfing?
It's the hollow tube of air formed when a wave pitches over and curls, creating a temporary tunnel a surfer can ride inside.
Why is riding a barrel a big deal?
Getting inside the barrel and coming out the other end is widely considered the ultimate, most thrilling experience in surfing.
Is a barrel the same as a tube?
Yes. Barrel, tube and pit all refer to the same hollow curl of a breaking wave.
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