Closeout Meaning in Surfing

A closeout happens when the entire wave breaks at the exact same time. This creates a long wall of whitewater that is impossible to ride across. Surfers usually avoid closeouts because they do not offer a clean open face. A closeout often occurs when the swell is too large for the beach. The wave shuts down and leaves no room for the surfer to turn. A surfer paddles for a wave but it closes out in front. Taking a straight path toward the beach is the only option here. One rider falls when the entire wave lip crashes down at once. Closeouts are common at beach breaks during very high tides or heavy swells. Avoiding these waves saves energy and prevents unnecessary equipment damage during a long session.