A beach break is where waves break on a sandy seabed. This is the best type of wave if you are just starting to learn how to surf. These breaks are very common in Europe. The best waves of this kind can be found in offshore conditions where a gravel or sand bank has formed. When the swell makes its way towards the beach, it is going to peak on the bank and then peel off to the left and the right.

Beach Break waves

The only problem with these banks is that they are constantly shifting because of the effects of the swell. The banks are also affected by currents and storms which can either remove or dump sand, changing the quality of the beach breaks over time. Good beach breaks can be found in Croyde and Fraserburgh in the UK, or Hossegor in France.