impact zone

Churning area just shoreward from where the wave folds and breaks; almost always the most dangerous place at any surf spot, and the site where virtually all surf-related injuries and deaths occur.

The phrase "impact zone" generally isn't used until the surf is at least medium sized. The impact zone at any given spot can change in size and intensity from day to day or even wave to wave. It can be measured in acres (Hawaii's Sunset Beach) or yards (First Peak Sebastian Inlet, Florida).

The Im...