Steep
A) A very vertical wave face where the crest or lip of the wave throws forward to create a tube or barrel. B) Also used to describe a swell which is approaching a forecast location at a very sharp angle compared to the direction the coastline faces. The incoming swell energy may be just on the edge of the swell window, which usually means only the very best exposed breaks to the incoming swell, will be able to pick it up. C) A term used by the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) to describe the dominant sea state at a buoy. For a given wave height, steep waves represent a more serious threat to capsizing vessels or damaging marine structures than broad swell.

Steepness
The ratio of wave height to wave length as an indicator for wave stability. When wave steepness exceeds a 1/7 ratio; the wave becomes unstable and begins to break. Ratings are Swell, Average, Steep, Very Steep.

Stinkbug Stance
A person with a very squatty, wide stance. Used in larger surf for better stability, but is also characteristic of a beginner.

Stinkbugger
Another name for a barnwaller, kook, or flailer. A wanna be surfer or poser.

Stinkeye
Hard, cold, menacing stare. Expression often shown by locals to outsiders.

Stick
Slang for a surfboard.

Stinger
A surfboard design featuring a dramatic cutaway section just tailward of the wide point and terminating in a singlefin swallowtail; credited to Ben Aipa of Hawaii and ridden with tremendous creative success by Dane Kealoha, Button Kaluhiokalani and Mark Liddell in 1975/76; also ridden by Mark Richards in that period.

Stoked
Extremely happy or elated. An original surfing term.

Stone Zone
Someone with a lot of courage.

Storm Drain
When paddling out you yell "storm drain" when a guy is in an insane tube. Synonym: Bowled, Tubed, Green Room, Shacked.

Storm Surge
The abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm, caused primarily by wind stress on the water. Storm surges are greatly enhanced when the storm winds blow the water into partially land-locked areas like bays where the excess water can't escape. The measurement of the storm surge height is the difference between the actual observed sea level associated with the storm and the normal sea level that would have occurred without the storm. Increased storm surge may also occur from the reduction of atmospheric pressure associated with the lower pressure in a storm or cyclone.

Storm Warning
A warning issued by the National Weather Service when current or forecasted ocean surface wind speeds are sustained at 48 knots (55 mph) or greater in a specific area. Generally not associated with tropical systems.

Stormy
Trashed surfing conditions with strong winds, large chop in the water, and generally accompanied by with rain, hail, snow, and/or lightning. Overall a great time to find something else to do.

Stovetop
Maneuver where a surfer nails a hard off the top after rounding from a solid cutback. A word more frequently used in Northern California than anywhere else.

Straightening off
Describes a move in which a surfer turns toward the beach when the wave has closed out or is too fast to make down the line. Used if/when there isn't an opportunity to pull out over the top of the wave. In larger waves the surfer may opt to lay down on the board to hang on.

Stress point taping
Gluing tape is cut into small pieces and placed on seams in various pressure points throughout the suit, such as at the elbows, knees, and under the arms. The goal is to provide durability where necessary while keeping as much flexibility as possible.

Stringer
The wood or glue lamination point, usually in the center of a surfboard. Wood stringers add weight but give the board much more strength. Most stringers are single laminations down the center of the surfboard. Some classic or older surfboards have three stringers for additional strength and weight. Also used by shapers as a central point for shaping measurements.

Stuffed
To get barreled

Stylie
To perform a maneuver with good form, with style.

Subtropical Air
An air mass that forms over the subtropical region. The air is typically warm with a high moisture content due to the low evaporative process.