General
over the falls
What does over the falls mean?
A wipeout where the surfer is sucked up the face and thrown over with the falling lip in a violent circular motion.
"He got pitched over the falls and held down for two waves."
Origin
Surf term likening the plunge to going over a waterfall.
Frequently asked questions
What does going over the falls mean?
It's a wipeout where the wave sucks the surfer up its face and throws them over with the breaking lip in a violent tumbling motion.
Is over the falls dangerous?
It can be. The rider gets pitched with the full force of the lip and can be held under, so it's one of surfing's heavier wipeouts, especially in big or shallow surf.
Why is it called over the falls?
Because being thrown with the plunging lip resembles going over the edge of a waterfall.
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