General
curl
What does curl mean?
The falling, curling portion of a wave as it breaks, forming the powerful part surfers ride alongside.
"He tucked in tight beneath the curl as it pitched over."
Origin
Descriptive surf term for the wave's curling break.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 'curl' of a wave?
It's the curling, pitching part of the wave as it breaks over — the most powerful section that surfers ride alongside or tuck beneath.
How is the curl different from the barrel?
The curl is the curling lip as the wave folds over; when that curl fully wraps into a hollow tube, surfers call it the barrel.
Why do surfers ride near the curl?
Because the curl holds the wave's power, so staying close to it gives the most speed and the best part of the ride.
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