7 Types of Waves Every Surfer Should Know About

Your first few surfing lessons will include tips on how to recognize and tackle different types of waves. This is very important because not all waves are suitable for beginners. 

Let’s have a look at different types of waves:

#1 Beach Breaks

These waves are the most popular and break over a sandy bottom. The shape and quality of the waves can change due to the changing quality of sand and shifts in the seabed.

A sandbank may stay for months or disappear in a few days. The eaves may be long and gentle or hollow and powerful, depending on factors such as the time.

#2 Crumbly Waves

Also known as mushy waves, these are easy to characterize as they’re not too steep, fast or hollow, and break gently. Very gradual bottom contours cause these waves.

They’re not very strong and powerful , hence are best suited for beginners or people who want to learn surfing tricks. Plus, they’re found almost everywhere.

#3 Point Breaks

A point break forms beside a headlock. It usually breaks over sand or rock. These waves peel for much longer than beach or reed breaks. These waves are said to be suitable for beginners and can be a lot of fun.

Some of the most popular point breaks are in California, where you can find us. To experience these stunning point breaks first-hand, try our San Diego Surf Lessons, which are suitable for beginners and beyond. Talk to us today for the right beach.

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#4 Reef Breaks

These waves break over a rocky bottom. The line-up changes depending on the size and direction of the waves but the seabed remains constant. You can paddle out through a clear channel.

Reef banks are best suited for experienced surfers. They can be risky for beginners.

#5 Reform Waves

This unpredictable wave can die down when it hits deep water and then reform or break again due to the bottom’s varying depth. 

These are said to be suitable for both all types of surfers. Experienced surfers can kick out before the new waves go deeper and beginners can turn to inside reform waves. 

#6 River Mouth Waves

These waves  are loved by all kinds of surfers but they’re extremely rare. They are quite like point breaks as they are produced where the water deposits sand on to sandbars resulting in the waves peeling off in a neat and predictable manner. 

You will find exciting river mouth waves in Munkada, Spain and other parts of Europe.

7# Double-up waves

This wave is the result of two waves meeting and coming together As a result, you get a very powerful and large wave.

These waves are very dangerous and ultra-hollow especially when they begin to break. They’re best suited for pros or people with years of experience.

Other than this, you should be able to identify where a wave is going. A left-hand wave, for example is a wave that peels or breaks to the left from the surfer’s point of view.

At Pacific Surf, we’ll tell you all about different types of waves and the right option for you. Get in touch with us today to know more.

Photo by Austin Neill on Unsplash

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