Surfing vs. Gliding — What's the Difference?

Surfing is a surface water sport in which an individual, a surfer, uses a board to ride on the forward section, or face, of a moving wave of water, which usually carries the surfer towards the shore. Waves suitable for surfing are primarily found on ocean shores, but can also be found in standing waves in the open ocean, in lakes, in rivers in the form of a tidal bore, or in wave pools.

Gliding is a recreational activity and competitive air sport in which pilots fly unpowered aircraft known as gliders or sailplanes using naturally occurring currents of rising air in the atmosphere to remain airborne. The word soaring is also used for the sport.Gliding as a sport began in the 1920s.

The sport of riding toward the shore on the forward slope of a wave, especially while standing or lying on a surfboard. Also called surfboarding.

To move in a smooth, effortless manner

(Informal) The activity of casually looking at something that offers numerous options, such as the internet or television.

To move silently and furtively

Present participle of surf

To occur or pass imperceptibly

The pastime or sport of riding surf on a surfboard.

To fly without propulsion from wings or an engine.

The activity of browsing the Internet.

(Music) To blend one tone into the next; slur.

The sport of riding a surfboard toward the shore on the crest of a wave

(Linguistics) To articulate a glide in speech.

To cause to move or pass smoothly, silently, or imperceptibly

To operate or fly (an aircraft) without propulsion from wings or an engine

The act of gliding.

(Music) A slur.

The transitional sound produced by passing from the articulatory position of one speech sound to that of another.

See semivowel.

The action or motion of something that glides.

The hobby, sport, or act of flying a glider.

Present participle of glide

That moves or changes with a glide.

(employment) Employing flexitime.

The activity of flying a glider