Big-Wave Surfing
Big-wave surfing is the discipline of riding exceptionally large waves, using specialised boards and, at some spots, tow-in assistance to catch fast, powerful swells.
Overview
Big-wave surfing focuses on riding waves that are far larger and more powerful than everyday surf, often at renowned deep-water reefs and points around the world.
Surfers use longer, heavier, specially shaped boards known as guns or step-ups, built to handle the speed and steep drops of large waves.
Waves may be caught by paddling or, where they move too fast to paddle into, by tow-in surfing, in which a personal watercraft tows the surfer onto the wave.
What defines it
- Defined by wave size and power rather than by a single board type or manoeuvre style.
- Uses specialised 'gun' or step-up boards designed for stability and speed on large, steep faces.
- Includes both paddle-in surfing and tow-in surfing, the latter using a watercraft to reach fast-moving waves.
- An advanced discipline typically built on many years of general surfing experience and water fitness.
Getting started
- 1Big-wave surfing is an advanced pursuit that surfers generally work toward gradually, after building a deep foundation in everyday surf.
- 2Developing swimming, paddling, and general fitness over time, and learning from experienced mentors, are common parts of the progression.
Other Surfing disciplines
The forms of Surfing sit alongside each other — explore the rest.
Explore across the knowledge base
Follow the threads that connect Big-Wave Surfing to the rest of SocialSportHub.
Sports
- SurfingAn ocean board sport of paddling into waves and riding them toward shore, balancing skill and reading the sea.
- Race WalkingA technique-driven endurance sport that turns walking into a fast, low-impact discipline.
- BodyboardingA wave-riding sport on a short, buoyant board, ridden lying or crouching, that is quick and fun to pick up.
- BadmintonA fast indoor racquet sport played with a shuttlecock that rewards agility and touch.
- BasketballA fast, dynamic team sport of running, jumping and quick decisions on court.
Playing surfaces
- WaterThe medium for aquatic sport — pool or open water that supports the body with buoyancy and resists movement with drag rather than giving footing.
- SnowCompacted or natural snow on slopes and trails — a low-friction surface built for gliding, where skis, boards and runners slide fast over frozen ground.
- GrassNatural turf grown on soil — the traditional surface for many field sports and, in tennis, a fast court with a low, skiddy bounce.
Positions
- Wing (handball)The handball wing plays wide on the left or right of the attack, using speed to finish fast breaks and shoot from tight angles near the sideline.
- Power forwardThe power forward plays near the basket in basketball, using strength to rebound, score inside, and defend the paint.
- Middle blockerThe middle blocker plays in the centre of the net, leading the team’s blocking and attacking with fast, quick sets.
- WingerA winger is an attacking player who operates in the wide areas of the pitch, using pace and dribbling to beat defenders and create chances.
Sport categories
Exercises
Skills
- ThrowingThe skill of propelling the ball accurately and with control using the arm.
- CatchingThe skill of cleanly securing a ball travelling through the air or off the ground.
- BlockingThe skill of using the hands or body to stop or slow an opponent’s attack.
- SprintingThe skill of running or riding at maximum controlled speed over a short distance.
- BreaststrokeA swimming stroke using a symmetrical arm sweep and a frog-like kick, with the head lifting to breathe.