waves question

[clown dude]

How is it that coral reefs can make waves break? Simple question but to me not so easy answer.

 

[flydan]

I assume you're talking about in nature. Keep in mind that most of the "wave" is underwater, like an iceberg. The reef takes the legs out from under the wave causing it to break.
Hope that's what you were asking.
Take care,
Dan'l

 

[clown dude]

YEAH, that's what I was looking for. I always thought the water going back into the ocean went under the wave causing it to have a collision, thus making the wave, but I didn't how it worked with a coral reef