Without waves, surfers are nothing. Take a look at the different energy zones that make a wave the ultimate resource for water sports enthusiasts.
The ocean produces four types of breaking waves, and the majority of them are rideable from a surfing perspective.
From the moment the wind produces the first ripples until they reach the coastline, waves are in constant mutation, evolution, and change.
A wave is a complex mechanism that is continuously interacting with surrounding elements, accumulating and dissipating energy from birth to death.
Surfers live for the moment before a wave breaks and morphs into a moving sheet of whitewater. So, what happens when we freeze that moment or photograph it?
Near-breaking waves reveal the secrets surfer want to perceive for their memorable rides. They're called "energy zones," the areas of a wave that store different types of liveliness.
Call it places where surfers need to be or regions that should be avoided at all costs.
From the top of a wave to its bottom, here are its fundamental energy zones:
1. The Lip
The top of a wave is an unstable region - it can be ridden but will, sooner or later, evolve into a chandelier.
2. The Chandelier
Also known as the falling lip, it is a powerful and unpredictably unstable energy zone of a wave that is thrown forward as the wave breaks.
3. The Pocket
Also known as the curl, it's the optimal energy zone from a surfing point-of-view - the place where a surfer should stay to get maximum speed.
4. The Open Face
A medium energy zone where surfers can perform maneuvers or get back to the pocket of the wave to regain speed - it is less hollow than the curl and easier to negotiate.
5. The Shoulder
A weak energy zone that surfers tend to avoid or stay for a long period of time because it will put an end to the ride - it should only be accessed and used as an exit area for tube rides.
6. The Impact Zone
The area where the falling lip of the wave lands and crashes - a dangerous zone that may put your gear and health in jeopardy.
7. The Flats
The nearly horizontal and flat zone located in front of the breaking wave - an area that will slow down surfboards except if a surfer is performing a bottom turn.
8. The Whitewater
The foam of a broken wave, or the end of the line for a roller - a turbulent, low-to-medium energy zone, depending on the size of the wave.
Discover the anatomy of the ocean wave.