Trough Meaning in Surfing

The trough is the bottom area between two individual waves in a set. This flat section sits at the base of the rising water wall. Surfers must transition through the trough to start a bottom turn maneuver. The water here is often turbulent after a wave has already passed over. Boards can lose speed if they spend too much time in this zone. A surfer reaches the lowest point before turning back up the face. Pushing through the trough requires the rider to maintain a low center. One surfer glides through the flat water after finishing a long ride. This area serves as the starting point for building momentum for a climb.