Lines Meaning in Surfing

Lines refer to the visible rows of swell moving toward the coastline today. Surfers watch these lines to determine the size and timing of the sets. Clean lines indicate that the wind is offshore and the conditions are good. Messy or broken lines suggest that the ocean is choppy and disorganized. The angle of the lines helps surfers predict where the wave will break. A surfer sits out the back and watches the lines approach the lineup. Long and straight lines usually provide the most consistent and rideable waves. One athlete paddles toward the peak as a set of dark lines appears. Reading the lines is an essential part of becoming a proficient ocean surfer.