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The Physics of Catching a Gnarly 80-Foot-Tall Wave

The Physics of Catching a Gnarly 80-Foot-Tall Wave

The Physics of Catching a Gnarly 80-Foot-Tall Wave

Science, Spoken · SpokenLayer

August 17, 20184m 33s

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Show Notes

I've never been surfing—but I'm willing to give it a try. I would not, however, be interested in attempting to surf a massive wave like this one off the coast of Portugal. That's a pass for me. Of course even if you don't surf, there is still some cool physics involved in the act of surfing (let alone all the physics of wave formation). So, how does a rider stay moving with a huge wave like this? As with all motions, the key is to look at forces.

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