What does surfboard mean?
A surfboard is a specially shaped board used to ride ocean waves. Riders lie on the board to paddle out, catch a wave, and then stand or crouch as they travel across its face. Modern surfboards are made from durable composite materials and vary in length, width, thickness, and shape according to the surfer’s experience and the conditions in which they will be used. The word commonly refers both to the individual board and to the wider category of equipment associated with surfing. In everyday discussion, people talk about choosing, riding, repairing, waxing, and renting surfboards. Surfing has a long history in Polynesian cultures, where riding waves was an important part of social life and physical practice; the modern sport developed through contact among different traditions and the spread of surfboards around the world. Today, surfboards are used for recreation, competition, instruction, and cultural events.
nounA long, narrow board used for riding ocean waves, especially in the sport of surfing. It is typically designed to float on the water and provide stability and maneuverability.
- A long board used for riding waves in the sport of surfing.
- The type of board around which surfing equipment and activities are organized, as in surfboard design, wax, or rental.
"She carried her surfboard down to the beach as the waves began to break."
"The beginner chose a large, stable surfboard for her first lesson."
"Local shops rent surfboards by the hour and provide wax and protective equipment."
The standard plural adds “-s.”
"The racks outside the surf shop were filled with surfboards."
A surfboard is both a piece of equipment and a moving interface between a surfer and the restless energy of a breaking wave.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does surfboard come from?
“Surfboard” is a compound formed from “surf,” meaning the zone or activity associated with breaking ocean waves, and “board,” meaning a flat rigid object used for support or movement. The word reflects the English development of modern surfing equipment and its sporting terminology. “Surfer” and “surfing” share the same element and belong to the same modern sporting vocabulary. The practice and terminology also reflect the global influence of Polynesian wave-riding traditions, although the precise English formation of the compound is not certain.
Related word forms
How surfboard is actually used
The word is standard in British and American English. In formal or technical writing, “surfing board” may be used when greater clarity is needed, although “surfboard” is the usual term.
Easily confused with surfboard
A surfboard is longer and is ridden while standing, whereas a bodyboard is shorter and is ridden while lying or kneeling on the wave.