General
overhead
What does overhead mean?
Describes a wave whose face is taller than a standing person, used as a rough measure of wave size.
"It was solid overhead and pushing bigger on the sets."
Origin
Surf sizing convention using the rider's height as a yardstick.
Frequently asked questions
What does overhead mean for a wave?
It means the wave's face is taller than a standing surfer's head, used as a rough measure of size.
How does overhead relate to double overhead?
Overhead is roughly head-high, while double overhead is about twice that; surfers measure waves in body heights this way.
Is overhead surf big?
It's a decent-sized, powerful wave — bigger than most everyday conditions — but still a step below the heavier double-overhead and beyond ranges.
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