General
reef break
What does reef break mean?
A surf spot where waves break over a rock or coral reef, typically producing powerful, hollow and hazardous waves.
"That reef break is world-class but it breaks in inches of water over sharp coral."
Origin
Surf term classifying breaks by their reef bottom.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'reef break'?
It's a surf spot where waves break over a rock or coral reef, which typically produces powerful, hollow, high-quality but hazardous waves.
Why are reef breaks dangerous?
Because the waves often break in shallow water over sharp coral or rock, so a wipeout can mean serious cuts or worse.
Why do experienced surfers seek out reef breaks?
The reef shapes waves into powerful, hollow, well-defined barrels that many of the world's best waves are known for — worth the added risk to skilled surfers.
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