Shoulder Meaning in Surfing

The shoulder is the part of a wave that has not broken yet. This area sits further away from the peak and the crashing whitewater. Surfers use the shoulder to perform long carves and less intense turns. The water here is flatter and provides a smoother surface for the board. Riding too far onto the shoulder results in a loss of wave energy. The wave eventually fades away into deep water at the end of this. A surfer glides along the unbroken green water of a long point break. Looking back toward the peak helps the rider judge the next move. Beginners often prefer the shoulder because the water is less steep and intimidating.