What Does “Double Overhead” Mean?

In surfing, “double overhead” describes waves with a face roughly twice the height of the surfer riding them—so a surfer around 6 feet tall would be looking at about a 12-foot wave face, though actual measurements vary by region and scale. The term is a relative, lineup-based shorthand rather than a strict scientific measurement, and it is distinct from similarly phrased terms in other sports.

In Surfing, a Relative Size Term

Surfers traditionally size waves by comparing the wave’s face (the vertical distance from trough to crest on the breaking side) to the surfer’s body in the lineup. “Head-high” means the face reaches the surfer’s head; “overhead” is taller than the surfer; “double overhead” is approximately two times the surfer’s height. This differs from meteorological or buoy reports, which use “significant wave height,” and from regional scales such as the Hawaiian scale, which often report about half the face height of the same wave.

Where “Double Overhead” Sits in Common Surf Lingo

Surfers use a body-based shorthand to describe wave size quickly and consistently among themselves. The following terms illustrate the scale that leads up to and beyond “double overhead.”

• Knee-high: roughly 1–2 feet on the wave face.
• Waist- to chest-high: roughly 2–4 feet on the wave face.
• Shoulder-high: roughly 4–5 feet on the wave face.
• Head-high: face height matches the surfer’s standing height.
• Overhead: taller than the surfer’s head, up to about 1.5× head-high.
• Double overhead: approximately 2× the surfer’s height on the face.
• Triple overhead and “XL”: beyond double overhead; often considered big-wave conditions.

Because this system is relative, the same wave can be described slightly differently by surfers of different heights, and local culture may emphasize face height, Hawaiian scale, or another convention.

How Surfers Estimate “Double Overhead” in Real Time

Estimating wave height from the lineup is a practiced skill. Surfers rely on visual cues, reference points, and repeated observation to gauge whether conditions have reached double overhead.

• Compare the wave’s breaking face to your full standing height as you drop in or watch others ride.
• Use fixed references—jetty rocks, cliffs, pier pilings, or the lip height relative to a standing surfer—to calibrate your eye.
• Account for body position: crouching makes waves look larger relative to you; judge by an upright stance when possible.
• Watch for set waves: the largest waves in a set best indicate true peak size.
• Cross-check with surf reports and buoys: significant wave height plus long swell periods can translate to notably taller faces at shallow or focusing breaks.

With practice, these methods help surfers distinguish between standard overhead surf and the more powerful, demanding realm of double overhead conditions.

Safety, Skill, and Equipment at Double Overhead

Double overhead surf amplifies power, speed, and consequences. Paddling, positioning, and wipeout management all become more critical as waves get larger and heavier.

The following considerations are common among experienced surfers preparing for double overhead sessions.

• Experience and technique: confident late drops, strong paddling, and effective duck dives or turtle rolls under larger lips.
• Physical readiness: cardio fitness and breath-hold capacity to handle multi-wave hold-downs and long paddles.
• Equipment: a “step-up” board for speed and stability, a strong leash sized appropriately, and reliable fins; inflation vests and helmets at heavy reefs or outer reefs.
• Spot knowledge: understanding channels, rip currents, impact zones, and safe exit routes; observe before paddling out.
• Team mindset: surf with a partner, communicate plans, and heed lifeguard guidance where available.
• Condition sensitivity: long-period swells, tide, wind, and bathymetry can turn a big day from challenging to hazardous.

Preparation reduces risk, but judgment is the most critical piece: if conditions exceed your skills or gear, it’s safer to wait or choose a more forgiving break.

Regional and Scale Differences

Wave-size language isn’t uniform worldwide. Many West Coast and international surfers describe the face height directly (making “double overhead” close to two times head-high on the face). In Hawai‘i, a traditional “back-of-the-wave” or Hawaiian scale often lists sizes roughly half the face height. That means a face considered double overhead (about 10–12 feet) might be called “five to six feet Hawaiian.” Meanwhile, buoy “significant wave height” measures open-ocean conditions; nearshore bathymetry and swell period can make breaking faces notably taller than buoy numbers suggest.

Outside Surfing: Avoiding Confusion

In other sports, similar-sounding terms mean different things. In strength training, “double overhand” refers to a grip with both palms facing you on a barbell—distinct from “overhead” movements like presses or carries. “Double overhead” is not a standard term in weightlifting or fitness contexts, so outside of surfing the phrase is uncommon and often a misstatement.

Summary

“Double overhead” is a surfer’s shorthand for waves with faces about twice the surfer’s height—impressive, powerful conditions that demand advanced skills, suitable equipment, and careful judgment. Exact numbers vary with regional scales and how waves are measured, but the essence is clear: it’s big, consequential surf that requires respect and preparation.

What does double overhead cam mean?

A dual overhead cam, double overhead cam, or twin-cam engine has two camshafts over each bank of the cylinder head, one for the intake valves and another for the exhaust valves. Therefore there are two camshafts for a straight engine and a total of four camshafts for a V engine or a flat engine.

What is triple overhead?

3 foot is around head high and fun size for most surfers. 4 foot is around head and a half high. 5 foot would be double overhead+ while 6 foot is triple overhead. Above triple overhead then wave face size is used.

What is the deadliest wave to surf?

Banzai Pipeline (North Shore Oahu, Hawaii)
Just a few miles from our surf school, the Banzai Pipeline is the crown jewel of heavy waves, and the deadliest. This reef break creates fast, hollow, powerful barrels that crash in shallow water just off the sand.

What does overhead mean in surf?

Example: a “4ft Traditional” wave is the same as: Face Height: 8ft. Body Height Reference: 2-3 feet “overhead” (above the head of a riding surfer with bent knees)