What are lefts and rights in surfing?
A wave is a "left" or a "right" by the direction it breaks as seen by the surfer riding it: a left peels to the surfer's left, a right to their right. A wave that breaks both ways from one peak is an A-frame.
Last updated · Surf & waves glossary
About Left and right (waves)
- Also called
- lefthander, righthander, left-hand wave, right-hand wave
Related terms
- Point break
- A point break is a wave that breaks along a point of land or a headland, peeling down the line in one direction. Point breaks can give long, consistent rides when the swell comes from the right direction.
- Reef break
- A reef break is a wave that breaks over a coral or rock reef. The fixed bottom gives a consistent, often powerful wave, but shallow water over the reef makes wipeouts riskier.