Shredding
Advanced, high-energy surfing with powerful snapping maneuvers.

Shweet
Something that's really cool, awesome or appreciated.

Sick
Excellent, Top-notch. Also defined as Stupid. Applies to anything from conditions to people.

Sideshore
Winds that approach the waves from the side, parallel to the coastline, rather than directly from the land or ocean. Side offshore is when the winds approach from the side and slightly from the land blowing into the wave faces, which create cleaner conditions. Side onshore is when the waves approach from the side and slightly from the ocean, which create bumpier, sloppy conditions.

Sideslip
Action of a surfboard when it stops tracking forward and moves sideways.

Significant Wave Height
The average height of the highest 1/3 of all the waves at a given location like a buoy. Practically all wave model charts show significant wave heights. The intent is to provide an accurate simulation of an experienced observer who reports on the wave climate, which would approximately fit the definition of the significant wave height.

Significant Wave Period
The dominant swell period of the highest 1/3 of all the waves at a specific location.

Single fin
One-fin surfboard design dating back to the first use of the fin on a surfboard (by Tom Blake of the USA in the 1930s); combines a high degree of control with little drive. Some longboards or big wave surfboards are single fins today.

Sinus Drain
Post-surf nose drip. When we wipeout, water is bound to find its way into the nasal cavity-that opening behind our noses that processes air as it is inhaled. The nasal cavity boasts a roomy space of several cubic inches. When water settles within the cavity below nostril level during a session, it puddles so long as we're sitting upright. If, later in the day, we bend down or somehow force the water upwards, the floodgates are opened.

Six Feet Offshore
Description of ideal conditions when a Brah calls you at 5AM and asks; Yo! Howzit?.

Skanking
A righteous yet ancient dance done to the beat or rhythm of surftastic tunes.

Skeeps
Sketchy people who have little to no regard for the environment. Typically leave trash on the beach for someone else to clean up.

Skeg
An older name for a fin on a surfboard. (see fin)

Sketchy
Not a sure thing. The possibility that something won't occur as expected or desired. Also used to describe conditions.

Skimboard
Glassed plywood or fiberglassed board for riding shallow beaches on the waters' edge.

Skunked
Coined originally as being dealt and forced to play a poor hand in card games such as cribbage or pinochle. In pursuit of rideable surf, it's to arrive expecting the best and seeing the worst.

Skunkfest
When a person shows up to a break and finds the surf non-existent or barely rideable and opposite to what was reported by forecasters. Usually results in a paddle out for a get-wet just to douse frustration.

Skurfing
The morphed aquatic activity of riding a surfboard, while being towed behind a boat or PWC in the same manner as water skiing.

Slab
An extremely hollow thick wave that's generally very critical and technical.

Slack Tide
Dead-low tide or condition where the influence of the moons gravitational pull is seen least.

Slammed Down
The result of when a wave comes down hard, knocks you off your board and drills you deep.

Slapped Down
The sound the front of the surfboard makes when it slaps down as you paddle out and a wave rolls underneath you.

Slingshot
The effect of a wave bouncing off of a jetty as it heads in another direction.

Slash
Radical, carving cutback performed on the face of the wave.

Slipper
A shortboard. Characterized by thin rails and deck. Usually about 6' in length or less. Synonym: Potato Chip, Chip,
Sliver, Grom Board.