How does the tide affect surf?
The tide is the twice-daily rise and fall of the sea. Because it changes the depth over a reef or sandbar, many breaks only work — or are only safe — at certain stages of the tide.
Last updated · Surf & waves glossary
About Tide (for surfing)
Related terms
- Reef break
- A reef break is a wave that breaks over a coral or rock reef. The fixed bottom gives a consistent, often powerful wave, but shallow water over the reef makes wipeouts riskier.
- Beach break
- A beach break is a wave that breaks over a sandy bottom. Sandbanks shift with storms and seasons, so the peaks move around, and beach breaks are often the friendliest places to learn.