Surf culture: catchphrases are like chips | Photo: Leroy Grannis

The history of surfing is full of memories, surfers, moments, travels and unforgettable waves. Each decade since the birth of surfing, trends, developments, and new frontiers have been developed. How do these translate to catchphrases?

It's always hard to express how we feel when we ride a wave. Fortunately, there are catchphrases born in surf culture that capture some of the essence.

Call them mottos, sentences, quotes, phrases or guiding principles. Some words, when put together, stay in our salted brains forever. But which one's your favorite surf catchphrase?

Someone once said, "Only a surfer knows the feeling." Then we heard, "No waves, no glory," and, "Drugs? No thanks, I'm a surfer." For some, "Life's a beach," for others, "Life's a wave." One popular notion holds that, "Work is for people that don't surf." We might agree. It also pays to remember that, "If it swells, ride it."

On crowded surfing days, "If in doubt, paddle out." That might be the only wave available. On big days, "Eddie would go," and he would certainly keep saying, "Just one more." "I surf because..." I believe, "Surfing is life; the rest is details." Surfing has several rules, too. When "Surf's up," you'll simply "Drop in, pull in, kick out."

Once you're "Shooting the curl," don't forget: "A bad day surfing is better than a good day working." That means "The best surfer out in the water is the one having the most fun." In Apocalypse Now, Colonel Kilgore says, "Charlie, don't surf," but nevermind. Just "Hang ten, dude," and scream out loud: "Stoked!"

Finally, a true classic: "You should have been here yesterday."

Also, take a look at the best surfing quotes of all time.