Which of the following is NOT a part of a rip current?

The wave is not considered a part of a rip current. A rip current specifically refers to a strong, narrow channel of water that flows away from the shore, typically driven by the effects of waves breaking on a beach.

To understand the anatomy of a rip current better, a rip is typically described as having several key components: the head, which is the fastest part of the current that travels out to sea; the neck, which connects the head to the feeder currents; and the feeder currents that bring water into the rip current from the surrounding area.

Waves, while they play a crucial role in the formation and dynamics of rip currents, do not form part of the rip current structure itself. Instead, they create the conditions necessary for rip currents to develop, influencing how water moves across the surf zone and ultimately contributing to the rip's strength and formation. Therefore, when identifying the components of a rip current, the wave is not classified as one of them.