Reform Meaning in Surfing

A reform happens when a wave breaks and then reconstructs into a new wave. This usually occurs when the water depth increases and then quickly becomes shallow. The initial whitewater dies down before the wave starts to peak once again. Surfers can continue their ride or catch a new one on this section. Reforms are common at surf spots with deep holes in the sandy floor. This second wave is often smaller and more gentle than the first one. A surfer rides through a deep section to reach the inside reform wave. Longboards are particularly good at gliding through the flat water to the reform. One rider catches a fun reform wave that breaks near the sandy beach. These waves provide extra riding time for athletes who stay on their boards.