A
surf break (also
break,
shore break, or
big wave break) is a permanent (or semi permanent) obstruction such as a
coral reef,
rock,
shoal, or
headland that causes a
wave to
break, forming a
barreling wave or other wave that can be
surfed, before it eventually collapses. The
topography of the seabed determines the shape of the wave and type of break. Since shoals can change size and location, affecting the break, it takes commitment and skill to find good breaks. Some surf breaks are quite dangerous, since the surfer can collide with a reef or rocks below the water.