# Pumping

> A strong swell is running and the waves are big, powerful and consistent.

**What "pumping" means in surfing:** A strong swell is running and the waves are big, powerful and consistent. Pumping is about energy and size more than shape.

**Example:** "The new swell's pumping, every set is overhead."

**Category:** Conditions

## Related words

- [Firing](https://surfslang.com/firing): The surf is very good, almost as good as cooking.
- [Cooking](https://surfslang.com/cooking): The surf is head high or bigger and really good.
- [Maxing](https://surfslang.com/maxing): The waves are at the biggest size a spot can handle before it stops working or closes out.

---

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