General
take-off
What does take-off mean?
The start of a ride, when the surfer catches the wave, pops up and drops down its face.
"It was a late take-off but he made the drop cleanly."
Origin
Surf term for the launch into a wave, like an aircraft 'taking off'.
Frequently asked questions
What is the take-off in surfing?
It's the moment you catch the wave, pop to your feet and drop down its face, the critical start of every ride.
What is a late take-off?
When you catch the wave later than ideal, dropping in steeply as the wave is already pitching, which is harder to make cleanly.
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