General
whitewater
What does whitewater mean?
The ridge of turbulence and foam left after a wave breaks. Beginners often learn by riding the whitewater.
"The grommet caught his first wave in the whitewater and beamed."
Origin
Descriptive term for the aerated white foam of a broken wave.
Frequently asked questions
What is 'whitewater' in surfing?
It's the foamy, turbulent water left after a wave has broken. Beginners often learn to stand up by riding this whitewater toward shore.
Why do beginners surf the whitewater?
Because it's already broken and gives a gentle, steady push, making it far easier and safer to practise standing up than catching unbroken waves.
Is whitewater the same as the shoulder?
No — the whitewater is the broken, foamy part behind the wave, while the shoulder is the smooth, unbroken face ahead of the break.
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