General
offshore
What does offshore mean?
Wind blowing from the land out toward the ocean, which holds waves up and grooms clean, hollow faces. Considered ideal for surfing.
"Light offshore winds all morning meant perfect, feathering lips."
Origin
Meteorological term central to surf-condition vocabulary.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'offshore' mean in surfing?
It's wind blowing from the land out toward the sea. It holds the waves up and grooms clean, hollow faces, making it the ideal wind for surfing.
Why do surfers love offshore wind?
Because it delays the wave breaking and smooths the face, producing well-shaped, sometimes hollow waves — the opposite of what onshore wind does.
Can offshore wind be too strong?
Yes — light offshore is ideal, but strong offshore can make it hard to paddle in and can hold waves up so much they're tricky to catch.
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