Surfing is an extreme sport powered by ocean waves. Surfers lie prone or stand on a surfboard in the ocean, waiting for a good wave, and when a good wave comes, the surfer points his board in the correct direction, lies on the board and paddles for the wave. The board gets up enough speed to move ahead of the wave, and when the board begins to be pushed by the wave, the surfer stands up, standing with feet placed naturally one to the front and one to the back, with knees slightly bent, and uses the body's center of gravity, shoulders, and back leg to control the surfboard’s direction. 

No matter what equipment is used, surfers all need a high level of skill and a great sense of balance, as well as an excellent long distance ocean swimming ability.