Pearling Meaning in Surfing

Pearling happens when the nose of the surfboard dives deep under the water. This usually occurs during the takeoff if the rider is too far forward. Gravity pulls the front of the board down while the wave lifts tail. The surfboard acts like a shovel and stops the forward motion of rider. This mistake often leads to a sudden and very spectacular forward wipeout today. Beginners often pearl when they do not arch their backs enough while paddling. A surfer pearls during a steep drop at a local sandy beach break. Shifting weight toward the back of the board helps prevent the nose diving. One athlete falls into the water after the board pearls in a wave. Correcting body position on the deck is the best way to avoid pearling.