Surfing is a popular water sport that involves riding waves on a surfboard. It originated in ancient Polynesia and Hawaii many centuries ago and has spread around the world today, with surf breaks on every continent. Surfing requires balance, core strength, and the ability to read ocean waves. It’s an exciting activity that is closely tied to nature and incorporates elements of adventure, skill, and even spirituality.
Here are 44 entertaining riddles about various aspects of surfing, along with the answers, for your enjoyment.
Beginner Surfing Riddles
These riddles cover some of the basics about learning to surf.
Riddle #1
I’m the floating platform you lie down on. What am I?
Answer: A surfboard
Riddle #2
I’m the motion of the ocean that surfers ride. What am I?
Answer: A wave
Riddle #3
I’m the paddle power that gets you into waves. What am I?
Answer: Your arms
Riddle #4
I’m the waxy substance rubbed on your board for grip. What am I?
Answer: Wax
Riddle #5
I’m the bent leg that helps you maneuver. What am I?
Answer: Your knee
Intermediate Surfing Riddles
These riddles cover skills needed to progress from a beginner to intermediate surfer.
Riddle #6
I let you turn right or left on the wave. What am I?
Answer: Your rail
Riddle #7
I’m the sweet spot between nose and tail. What am I?
Answer: The middle of your surfboard
Riddle #8
I’m the popping motion that gets you up on the board. What am I?
Answer: The pop-up
Riddle #9
I’m the position you get in to catch a wave. What am I?
Answer: Takeoff position
Riddle #10
I’m the curling part of the wave. What am I?
Answer: The whitewater
Advanced Surfing Riddles
These riddles cover advanced surfing techniques.
Riddle #11
I’m that sick air above the lip. What am I?
Answer: An aerial maneuver
Riddle #12
I’m the spinning action that dazzles crowds. What am I?
Answer: A 360 spin
Riddle #13
I’m that awesome tube you get barreled in. What am I?
Answer: The inside of a wave barrel
Riddle #14
I’m that radical reverse takeoff. What am I?
Answer: Switchfoot surfing
Riddle #15
I’m not one maneuver but a killer combo. What am I?
Answer: A string of hot moves
Surf Culture Riddles
These riddles cover the culture, lifestyle, and lingo of surfing.
Riddle #16
I’m the place the ocean pushes waves. What am I?
Answer: A surf break or surf spot
Riddle #17
I’m a single unbroken wave. What am I?
Answer: A set
Riddle #18
I’m the paddling speed needed to catch waves. What am I?
Answer: Sprinting or hustling
Riddle #19
I’m that perfect peeling wave. What am I?
Answer: A glassy wave
Riddle #20
I’m an awesome old-school log longboard. What am I?
Answer: A gun
Beach and Ocean Riddles
These riddles cover things you see at the beach and ocean when surfing.
Riddle #21
I’m those noisy white-capped peaks. What am I?
Answer: White water or surf
Riddle #22
I’m the powerful thumping part of the ocean. What am I?
Answer: Strong surf/big waves
Riddle #23
I’m the critter you see beside you in the water. What am I?
Answer: Other surfers
Riddle #24
I’m the place the whitewash flows back into sea. What am I?
Answer: An impact zone
Riddle #25
I’m the sunny sky beachgoers love. What am I?
Answer: Blue skies
Surf Travel Riddles
These riddles cover iconic global surf destinations.
Riddle #26
I’m that epic North Shore spot where pros shred. What am I?
Answer: Pipeline in Hawaii
Riddle #27
I’m that perfect right pointbreak in Oz. What am I?
Answer: Snapper Rocks on Australia’s Gold Coast
Riddle #28
I’m that heavy wave in California only experts surf. What am I?
Answer: Mavericks in California
Riddle #29
I’m that perfect sand-bottomed left in the Mentawais. What am I?
Answer: Macaronis surf break in the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia
Riddle #30
I’m that right reef pass only the brave ride. What am I?
Answer: Teahupo’o in Tahiti
Surf Gear and Accessories Riddles
These riddles cover the stuff surfers use.
Riddle #31
I protect your skin from the glaring sun. What am I?
Answer: Sunscreen or sunblock
Riddle #32
I cover your eyes from blinding water. What am I?
Answer: Sunglasses
Riddle #33
I protect your neck when you wipe out. What am I?
Answer: A rashguard
Riddle #34
I shield your head from your board. What am I?
Answer: A helmet
Riddle #35
I keep you warm in cold water temps. What am I?
Answer: A wetsuit
Surfer Health Riddles
These riddles cover staying safe and injury-free while surfing.
Riddle #36
I’m pain caused by paddling overuse. What am I?
Answer: Paddler’s shoulder
Riddle #37
I’m that swollen bump from rail impact. What am I?
Answer: Surfer’s knob/knot on the head
Riddle #38
I’m stinging marine life you touch. What am I?
Answer: Jellyfish
Riddle #39
I’m numbness caused by cold water. What am I?
Answer: Hypothermia
Riddle #40
I’m dehydration from saltwater and sun. What am I?
Answer: Dehydration
Surf Skills and Techniques Riddles
These riddles cover important surfing abilities.
Riddle #41
I’m the skill to stand on your board. What am I?
Answer: Balance
Riddle #42
I’m the strength to paddle seaward. What am I?
Answer: Endurance
Riddle #43
I’m the awareness of approaching sets. What am I?
Answer: Ocean knowledge
Riddle #44
I’m the ability to read waves. What am I?
Answer: Wave judgment
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed these 44 surfing riddles covering beginner skills to pro techniques, gear, culture, travel spots and more. Let me know if you have any other surfing riddle ideas or stumpers of your own!
