The Surf Anti-Glossary

Avoid the Surfer Clichés and Stereotypes

New to covering surf? Get to the core of the industry. Like anything, the image of surfing portrayed in movies and television isn’t always authentic. Here are some key words and phrases to leave out of your story to avoid sounding out dated or out of touch with the core surf culture:

1. Cowabunga
2. Surf’s Up
3. Hang Ten
4. Hang Loose/Hangin’ Loose
5. Dude
6. Chicks
7. Gnarly
8. Rad
9. Tubular
10. Wipeout

* Extra Credit for eliminating any references to movie/T.V. characters stereotyping surfers, such as Jeff Spicoli (Fast Times at Ridgemont High), Gidget, or Baywatch. These terms are necessary only if exploring the influences these characters had on pop culture.

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