1. LINEUP >>
Experienced surfers gather here—where most swells are peaking and about to break—to jockey for position. Who-ever's closest to the peak gets first dibs on the wave.

2. SHOULDER >>
The section of wave down the line from the curling peak. Catching a ride here is easier but bad etiquette, as you'll drop in on top of the surfer who earned priority.

3. IMPACT ZONE >>
The most dangerous part of a surf spot, where crashing waves release their energy. Always paddle around it on your way out to the lineup.

4. INSIDE >>
Many waves retain a smaller, smooth face long after they break. This is a good place for developing surfers to work on their skills, since veterans who take off on the peak will often exit the wave early.

5. SOUP >>
A.k.a. the whitewater, this is the surfable froth of a dying wave. It's the easiest place to catch a ride, thus an ideal place for novice surfers to practice popping up onto their feet.