General
impact zone
What does impact zone mean?
The area where waves break with the most force and pitch onto the surface; the worst place to be caught during a set.
"He got stuck in the impact zone and took three on the head."
Origin
Surf term for the zone of maximum breaking 'impact'.
Frequently asked questions
What is the impact zone in surfing?
It is the area where waves break with the most force, and the worst place to be caught when a set comes through.
Why do surfers avoid the impact zone?
Getting caught there means taking the full force of breaking waves on the head, which can hold you down and exhaust you.
How do surfers get out of the impact zone?
They paddle hard to get outside the breaking waves or wait for a lull to reposition.
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