# Maxing

> The waves are at the biggest size a spot can handle before it stops working or closes out.

**What "maxing" means in surfing:** The waves are at the biggest size a spot can handle before it stops working or closes out. A maxing spot is usually for experienced surfers only.

**Example:** "Don't paddle out, the reef is maxing."

**Category:** Conditions

## Related words

- [Pumping](https://surfslang.com/pumping): A strong swell is running and the waves are big, powerful and consistent.
- [Closeout](https://surfslang.com/closeout): A wave that breaks along its whole length at once instead of peeling, leaving no open face to ride.
- [Double overhead](https://surfslang.com/double-overhead): Waves with a face about twice the height of the surfer, roughly 3.5 metres or 12 feet.

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Source: [Maxing](https://surfslang.com/maxing) on Surfslang.com, the surf slang glossary. Full glossary: https://surfslang.com/llms.txt