Learn how different surf breaks work, and you’ll turn average sessions into unforgettable ones. The ocean serves up an endless variety of waves — towering and tiny, glassy and wind-textured, soft and playful or steep and hollow. No two swells break in the same way.

 Wave shape and power depend on a mix of ingredients: swell size and period, wind speed and direction, tides, underwater contours (bathymetry), and the type of seabed beneath the surface.

 We’ll save the deep science for another day. For now, let’s focus on the foundation of every surf spot — what’s under the water — and explore the most common types of surf breaks you’ll encounter around the world.

 Beach Breaks

If you learned to surf on a sandy shoreline, you’re already familiar with beach breaks. These waves form over shifting sandbars, where the ocean floor gradually slopes away from shore. 

 Because sand constantly moves with currents and storms, beach breaks are dynamic and unpredictable. On some days, waves close out all at once with no clean shoulder to ride. On other days, when the sandbars line up perfectly, you’ll score punchy peaks and surprisingly hollow barrels.

 Beach breaks are often ideal for beginners because there’s no reef or rock below — but that doesn’t mean they’re harmless.

 Quick Tip: In warmer regions, stingrays often rest in shallow water. Shuffle your feet as you walk out to avoid accidentally stepping on one. It’s a simple habit that can save you from a very painful experience.

 Notable Beach Breaks