Understanding The Different Types Of Wave Breaks

There is much more to surfing than just grabbing a board and a wetsuit and taking to the waves. You need to learn technique, the skill and most importantly, know the different types of wave breaks. This can be incredibly important for your safety as well as your enjoyment on the waves - so, what are they?

Point Break

Firstly we have point breaks. These particular breaks are characterised by a wave breaking on land just away from the shore. If you are a confident surfer, then you’ll already know and love these breaks, due to the immense waves usually created when the swells are in the right direction.

Some of the best locations for this kind include Los Lobos, Fuerteventura, in the Canary Islands. This is an ideal spot if you want to ride point breaks - after all, what better place to do it than at the foot of a volcano? This scenic destination will take you on a new adventure with your surfing as you tackle the thrilling waves that Los Lobos has on offer.

For those of you who desire a left-hand break, El Sitio, Pais Vasco in Spain has exactly that. The break here is easy to surf, so if you’re not as experienced, this destination is perfect for a spot of practice, especially if you are yet to ride a point break.

If you’re wondering what makes point breaks unique, they typically have one take off point and usually only travel in one direction. The waves created with this break tend to be long and less likely to break in front of itself than others.

Reef Break

Reef breaks have a consistent wave shape and are popular for experienced surfers as the waves usually created are truly impressive. The waves tend to break on shelves of either coral or rock, so although they are increasingly more predictable, they are also more dangerous; they are more suited to surfers who have been in the sport for a number of years.

What makes these breaks dangerous are the coral reefs that lie beneath them, as they can be sharp and contain bacteria that are incredibly harmful to the human body. Even a simple cut can get infected if not treated quickly. Therefore, if you are relatively new to surfing, either take extra caution when riding a reef break, or avoid them. If you decide to take them on, ensure that a professional or a local guide explains the break before you get in the water.

Beach Break

If you’re a beginner or a novice surfer, beach breaks are ideal and are truly the best and safest choice for first time surfers. This is due to the fact that the bottom of these breaks are typically composed of sand or other fine shells or rocks. This is simply because the waves break on sandbars. The wave size, shape and the peak location can vary depending on how the sand has shifted, which can happen on a daily basis. There are plenty of locations that you can visit this summer for beach breaks, so do your research to secure the perfect spot for you.

Each of the three wave breaks offer an entirely new kind of surfing experience. If you’ve decided the best for you, what are you waiting for? Ensure that you have an appropriate wetsuit for the location you are visiting and book your surfing trip, today.