What type of surf break occurs when waves break over a sandy seabed?

A surf break over a sandy seabed is called a beach break.

Beach breaks form when incoming waves shoal and break over sandbars or other sandy underwater contours. Because sand can move with storms, tides, and currents, the exact peaks and wave shape at a beach break may change considerably over time.

This makes beach breaks different from reef breaks, where waves break over coral or rock, and point breaks, where waves wrap around a headland or other fixed feature. Some locations combine characteristics, so local descriptions can be more specific than the broad category.

Beach breaks are common surfing venues because they occur along many sandy coasts and can offer several takeoff peaks. Their changing bottom also means conditions may differ from one day to the next.