A surface water sport, surfing involves a person riding on the forward part of a wave as it breaks towards shore. Surfing most often involves the use of a surfboard to ride waves. Surfing is a diverse sport that comprises many different forms, such as long boarding, short boarding, and big wave surfing. In addition, many different types of surfing waves exist. These include:
- Closeout waves - Not the most ideal wave for surfing, these waves break all at once.
- Crumbly waves - Great for beginners, these waves break more gently than others but lack power.
- Reform waves – Reform waves can break multiple times as they move toward shore.
- Tubing Waves - Formed when a swell quickly moves through deep and then shallow water, these waves appear hollow and curved.
- Double Up Waves - These waves form when two waves merge together, and are only recommended for advanced surfers due to their power.