Doggy Door Meaning in Surfing

The doggy door is a small exit at the very end of a barrel. It occurs when a wave is closing out and the opening starts to shrink. The surfer must crouch low and move fast to escape the falling lip. If the rider misses the doggy door they will be hit by whitewater. This exit is often the only way to avoid a heavy ocean wipeout. It requires quick thinking and a sudden burst of speed from the athlete. A surfer squeezes through the doggy door just before the wave shuts. Making it out of this small hole is a sign of great skill. One athlete flies out of the doggy door onto the clean wave face. This maneuver saves the ride and allows the surfer to stay standing.