Surfing is a sport that has its own set of unique terms, and one of the terms that often comes up in discussions about wave size is “double overhead.” For those who are new to surfing or who want to deepen their understanding of surf terminology, it’s essential to know what this term means. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning of double overhead in surfing, how it is measured, and what it means for surfers who encounter these kinds of waves.
Understanding Wave Heights in Surfing
Before we dive into what double overhead means, it’s important to understand how wave heights are measured in surfing.
Waves in surfing are typically measured by the height of the wave face, from the bottom of the wave to the top. When people talk about wave sizes, they are generally referring to the height of the face of the wave, not the height from the bottom of the ocean to the top of the wave.
Waves are often classified into different categories based on their size. These categories can range from small, easy waves for beginners to massive, powerful waves that require experience and skill to handle.
What Does “Double Overhead” Mean?
The term “double overhead” refers to the height of a wave. Specifically, it describes a wave that is approximately twice the height of a surfer when they are standing upright.
Overhead Waves: An overhead wave is a wave that is about the same height as a surfer’s head when they are standing on the beach. These waves are usually considered challenging but manageable for intermediate to advanced surfers.
Double Overhead Waves: Double overhead refers to a wave that is twice the height of the surfer. So, if a surfer is around 6 feet tall, a double overhead wave would be approximately 12 feet tall, with the face of the wave reaching up to twice their height.
For example, imagine a surfer standing at the bottom of the wave. If the wave is double overhead, the crest of the wave will tower over them, creating a sense of awe and danger. These waves are usually powerful, fast, and require great skill to ride. Surfers need to be experienced in order to handle waves of this size safely.
How to Measure Double Overhead Waves
Wave heights are typically measured by the height of the wave face. But there can be confusion in measuring large waves, especially because of varying terminology and the difference in measurement from the back of the wave versus the front.
When someone says “double overhead,” they are generally referring to the height from the base of the wave to the crest. The measurement is taken from where the wave begins to break, not from the deepest part of the wave. This means that double overhead waves are often considered to be extremely large in terms of surfing, typically ranging from 12 feet (for a 6-foot-tall surfer) to 20 feet or more in extreme cases.
What Are the Challenges of Surfing Double Overhead Waves?
Surfing double overhead waves presents a unique set of challenges. Not only do these waves require significant experience, but they also demand physical strength, mental focus, and the ability to read the waves carefully. Let’s break down the main challenges surfers face with double overhead waves:
1. Size and Power of the Wave
The sheer size and power of double overhead waves can be intimidating for any surfer. The wave’s energy is greater than that of smaller waves, meaning it has more force when it crashes. Surfers need to be prepared for the strength of the wave as it can easily knock an unprepared rider off balance.
2. Timing the Drop
One of the most difficult aspects of riding large waves is timing the drop. For a double overhead wave, surfers need to get onto the wave at just the right moment. If they take off too early, they risk falling off the back of the wave. If they drop too late, they risk being overtaken by the wave and wiped out.
3. Getting Out to the Wave
Paddling out to meet double overhead waves can be exhausting and difficult. Surfers need to paddle against the current and through the waves, which become increasingly difficult as the size of the waves grows. Strong swimmers and surfers with good paddling techniques are essential for handling large waves like double overhead ones.
4. The Wipeout Factor
Wipeouts are a natural part of surfing, but double overhead waves increase the likelihood of a wipeout, especially if a surfer doesn’t manage to catch the wave or is unable to ride it properly. These wipeouts can be dangerous, as the surfer may be thrown into the water with significant force. Large waves also have the potential to pull surfers underwater for extended periods, making it essential to have strong breath-holding ability and composure during wipeouts.
5. Required Surfboard Size
Surfers may also need larger, more buoyant surfboards to ride double overhead waves. These boards are designed to handle the increased speed and power of large waves. A smaller surfboard may not provide enough stability or control to ride a wave of this size, which is why choosing the right equipment is essential for tackling double overhead waves.
Who Surfs Double Overhead Waves?
Double overhead waves are typically suited to experienced surfers who have developed the skills and physical conditioning necessary to ride such large and powerful waves. These waves are common in certain surf spots around the world, especially during large swells. Some of the most famous locations for double overhead waves include:
Pipeline, Hawaii: Known for its massive waves, Pipeline often produces waves that are double overhead and beyond.
Teahupo’o, Tahiti: Famous for its thick, powerful waves, Teahupo’o is a popular spot for surfers seeking the thrill of double overhead waves.
Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa: This surf spot offers long, powerful waves that can reach double overhead size during large swells.
While only advanced surfers should attempt double overhead waves, it’s important to note that some professional surfers have mastered the art of riding even bigger waves, such as triple or even quadruple overhead waves.
How to Prepare for Double Overhead Waves
If you’re a surfer looking to take on double overhead waves, there are several ways you can prepare yourself:
1. Improve Your Fitness
Strong physical conditioning is key when surfing large waves. Surfers need endurance to paddle out and strength to navigate the waves. Focus on building upper body strength, core stability, and cardiovascular fitness to handle the demands of double overhead waves.
2. Master Your Paddling Technique
Being able to paddle efficiently is essential when dealing with larger waves. Focus on your stroke technique, as well as your ability to paddle through waves and conserve energy. The faster you paddle, the better your chances of catching a big wave.
3. Understand Wave Behavior
To ride double overhead waves safely, it’s important to understand how waves break and behave. Study wave patterns, tide conditions, and wind direction. The more you know about the waves at your surf spot, the better prepared you’ll be to handle double overhead waves.
4. Practice Big Wave Surfing in Smaller Conditions
Start by practicing in smaller overhead waves and gradually increase the size of the waves you surf. It’s essential to build your skills before moving to larger waves. Many professional surfers work their way up to double overhead waves by gaining experience in progressively larger conditions.
Conclusion
Double overhead waves are a significant challenge in the world of surfing. These waves, twice the height of a surfer, require skill, strength, and experience to ride. Surfers need to be physically fit, understand wave behavior, and have a good grasp of surfing techniques to tackle these massive waves. While these waves may seem intimidating, for advanced surfers, they offer a thrilling and rewarding challenge. Understanding wave size and what “double overhead” means will help you better appreciate the world of big-wave surfing.
If you are new to surfing, start with smaller waves and build your way up. Double overhead waves should be attempted only by surfers who have the necessary skills and experience to handle them safely. Happy surfing!