Sometimes the simplest designs carry the deepest meanings. The wave, even in its crudest form, has held a powerful place in ancient imagery, a symbol of the natural forces the move and, conversely, challenge us.

For many cultures, the wave is a gentle reminder that you can indeed choose to fight the current and risk being swept away, or trust in the timeless tide to deliver you to where you are destined to go.

For those who dwell near or on the water, the wave is often worn as a protective totem, a message of unity with the elements. Sailors, swimmers, and surfers alike all understand that the tide is much greater than themselves, and respect the forces beyond their control.

The simple wave tattoo is just that: a simple but decisive symbol of one’s acceptance that there are greater forces in the world compelling us, that depending on one’s outlook and approach life can be a constant struggle or smooth sailing. Worn on the wrist, arm, or over the heart, the wave can be a guiding totem even for the modern navigator.

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Wave Tattoo Ideas

A nicely etched tattoo for an awkward position just behind the ankle bone. There would have been a high degree of discomfort for this tattoo, but a short application time. It’s a real clean, fresh mix of gray scale shading for the fin and unique wave line work. The small hints of shade at the middle of each wave are a nifty effect.

This wave tattoo has elements of the famous Japanese artist Hokusai, but veers distinctly despite throwing in a background shot of Mount Fuji (the city of Fujisawa is a hugely popular surf spot south of Tokyo where Fuji-san can be seen from the waves on a clear day, as can men in white G strings). The circular pattern is well executed with short, faint lines rather than a traditional circumference, while the waves themselves are solid, if unspectacular.