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The move away from heavy polyurethane foam and fiberglass was key. Lighter blanks and the introduction of the thruster fin setup (three fins) by Simon Anderson in the early 80s gave shortboards insane drive and control. These materials and designs gave surfers the confidence to push into heavier, barreling waves and come out flying, allowing for the progressive, aerial surfing we see today.

It’s that grippy, foam sticker you see on the tail of most shortboards and many performance boards. Think of it as a skateboard grip tape for your back foot. Made from EVA foam (like your deck grip) with even grippier raised patterns, it gives your rear foot insane hold. This lets you push, pivot, and crank turns without slipping, especially in critical sections or when your board is wet and slippery. Essential for modern high-performance surfing.

A closeout is when a wave breaks all at once along its entire length, instead of peeling left or right. It’s like a giant, crashing wall of whitewater with no open face to ride. You get no real ride, just a brutal pounding. They’re energy drains and can be dangerous in bigger surf. Spot them by looking for a wave line that’s crumbling evenly with no shoulder. Paddling for a closeout is a classic rookie move—better to let it pass and wait for one with a defined line.

This describes a wave with a perfect, orderly break that unfolds along its length, like peeling a banana. A “peeler” is a wave that breaks slowly and evenly, allowing for a long, smooth ride. It’s the opposite of a closeout. You’ll find these at point breaks or reefs with a well-defined contour. These waves are a dream for logging, longboarding, or practicing turns, giving you plenty of time on the face to set up for maneuvers and really enjoy the glide.