Surf spots are like old friends, they come with a story and a history. Many surfers have a strong attachment to their local break, and the name of the spot can hold a lot of significance. But where do surf spots get their names from? And how does a surf spot become famous enough to be known by name around the world? Let’s dive into the world of surf spot names.

Surf spot names can come from a variety of sources. Some spots are named after the location they are in, like “Bondi Beach” in Australia or “Malibu” in California. Others are named after the shape of the wave, like “The Wall” in Hawaii or “The Point” in California. Some spots are named after the local culture, like “Trestles” in California, named after the train trestles that run along the coast. And finally, some surf spots are named after the people who discovered or surfed them, like “Kirra” in Australia named after the surfer Kirra Keogh.

It’s not just surf spots that get names, but surf breaks as well. Breaks are named after the direction of the wave, the shape of the wave, or the type of wave. For example, “Lefts” are waves that break to the left, “Rights” are waves that break to the right, and “Peaks” are waves that break in the middle of the line-up. For Example, Lances Right.

Sometimes, surf spots and breaks become famous because of their unique characteristics, like the size of the wave, the shape of the wave, or the quality of the wave. When a surf spot becomes famous, it can attract surfers from all over the world, and the name of the spot can become synonymous with the surf culture. This can lead to the creation of surf competitions and events, which in turn helps to solidify the name of the spot in the surf world.

Surf spots and breaks are given names for a variety of reasons, including location, shape, local culture, and the surfers who discovered or surfed them. Some spots and breaks become famous because of their unique characteristics, and these names can become synonymous with the surf culture. The next time you're in the lineup, take a moment to think about the name of the surf spot and the story behind it.