The Different Types of Surfing Waves

Learning to surf can feel a bit challenging and intimidating. But, once you get the hang of it, you’ll have the time of your life out on the water. Here are different types of surfing waves that, with a lot of practice, anyone can learn to master:

Reform Waves

These are waves that form when water dies down after hitting deep water. Reform waves are the base level waves that you can ride if you’re new to surfing.

Crumbly Waves

Crumbly waves (also known as mush waves) break gently and form as a result of the bottom contour being more gradual than normal. Crumbly waves are a slight step up from reform waves, but they’re typically not too intense.

Point Breaks

Point breaks are great waves for beginners, because they’re capable of producing calmer, spilling waves that present an appropriate challenge.

Beach Breaks

These waves form when waves break over a sandy floor. These waves can vary in intensity. Sometimes, you’ll see long and gentle beach breaks; other times, they will be fierce and deep. Plus, the waves are capable of fluctuating due to changes in sand and seabed conditions.  

Rivermouth waves

These form as a result of waves peeling off of sand deposits on well-defined sandbars. You won’t be as likely to find these, but they are known to be more common in certain parts of the world—most notably in Mundaka, Spain.

Reef Breaks

Reef breaks are definitely a bit intense for beginners. They form over a rocky bottom and the most massive breaks occur over, you guessed it, reefs. But, regardless of where they form, these waves are intense and best suited for more experienced surfers.

Double-up Waves

Double-up waves are the giant waves you see in movies. These are the mother of all waves. Double-up waves form when the troughs and crests of two waves align. These particular waves are challenging and dangerous when they break. These are best left for bold, experienced surfers.

A ZEFR Fusion Board can help you master the many different types of surfing waves.