Subtropical Cyclone
A low-pressure system generally located between 15 and 35 degrees Latitude that has characteristics of both tropical and extratropical cyclones. These generally short-lived systems may be either cold core or warm core.

Subtropical Depression
A subtropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speeds are less than 33 knots (38 mph).

Subtropical Storm
A subtropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speeds are greater than 34 knots (39 mph).

Sucked Dry
A wave that really jacks up leaving the water in front of it very shallow. Generally occurs over reef, but can occur anywhere there is a strong swell and shallow bottom. Synonym: Sucky.

Superman
Air maneuver performed when a surfer kicks out their legs while holding onto their board.

Superstretch
(ultrastretch, highstretch etc) Trade name referring to a particular brand's most flexible rubber. Often only used in high-motion areas (i.e., the shoulders) as it's generally considered less warm and durable than other kinds of neoprene. (This changes dramatically from year to year; what was last year's superultrahigh stretch is this year's boring old neoprene.)

Surfari
Originated from a literal African type surfari, in now applies to any adventure abroad where the sole intent is to find surf.

Surf beat
The rhythm of periodic rise and fall in coastal water levels caused by sets of waves as they arrive and create a surge and pileup of water along the surf zone. During and immediately after the sets of waves, the water level along the shore rises from all of the wave energy pushing water to the shore. Once the sets of waves cease or lull, the water will escape back out to deep water-sometimes in the form of rip currents or rip tides before another set of waves arrive to complete the cycle called the surf beat.

Surf Mattress
An inflatable mattress originally used for belly surfing pre-spongeboard era. Synonym: Surf Mat, Surf Rafts, Floats.

Surfboard Channel
Bottom shape originating during the 1970s, credited to Jim Pollard of Australia, in which grooves were cut along the surfboard (parallel to stringer), usually through the tail half. Many different types of channels have a variety of performance impacts; but generally add drive and directional stability.

Surfers Ear
The effect of long-term exposure to cold water and wind that leads to an enlargement of the bone in the inner ear canal.

Surfers Knots
Large bumps on the top of a surfers foot and on knees caused by callusing.

Surfers Lung
The inability of some to breathe deep due to a long day of getting worked and inhaling salt water.

Surfilzation
The outer limit or slightly beyond for a known or generally accepted perception of the "civilized world." The place where surfers venture to discover new spots and remote, isolated surf locations.

Surfologist
Surfer who, when not surfing, thinks about surfing and wishes he was surfing. Typical characteristics include; Daydreaming of a clean chest high wave, and/or getting barreled.

Surfology
Study of surf conditions and spawning weather events. Includes tide, wind, etc. Involves every aspect the makes a break really turn on.

Sunform
Handheld planer used for shaping surfboard blanks and fiberglass.

Surfspeak
Communication medium used among members of the surfing culture. Often appears unintelligible to outsiders.

Swag
Any type of "merch" that you score for zip, zilch, nada...freebie.

Swallow Tail
A double pointed surfboard tail design with an indentation in the center. Adds to the boards holding ability in steep waves.

Swami
An expert surfer, usually of senior years.

Sweet Spot
The positions a surfer places their feet for maximum balance, stability and maneuverability.

Swell Direction
Compass direction in degrees from where waves are approaching from.

Swell Height
Vertical measurement in meters between a swell crest and the succeeding swell wave trough.

Swell Period
Amount of time that it takes successive swell wave crests or troughs pass a fixed point such as a buoy.

Swell Train
The series of swells propagating away from the ocean storm wind generation area.

Swish
To be meek, fearful or both.

Switch Stance
Ability to surf with either foot forward. Regular or goofy foot; signifies an accomplished surfer because it's not easy to do.

Switchfoot
One who is equally adept and going regular or goofy foot depending one the way the wave breaks.