General
groundswell
What does groundswell mean?
A swell that has traveled thousands of miles across open ocean, producing powerful, well-organized waves with a long period between them.
"That groundswell had fifteen-second periods and drew serious power."
Origin
Oceanographic term distinguishing distant-storm swell from local windswell.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'groundswell' in surfing?
It's a swell generated by a distant storm that has travelled thousands of miles across open ocean, arriving as powerful, well-organised waves with long gaps between them.
How is a groundswell different from windswell?
Groundswell comes from far-off storms and is powerful with long periods; windswell is generated locally and is weaker and less organised.
Why do surfers get excited about a groundswell?
Because the long travel distance sorts and strengthens the waves, delivering the clean, powerful surf that produces the best rides.
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.
