Usually waves approach the coastline from a variety of angles. As a wave begins to approach shallow sea floors, it bends inward to face the shore head on. This is called wave refraction. Below you can see the stormy swell hitting the coast on the right. As it bends inward, moving left, the waves reach into the bay and are protected from the predominant winds. With a little bit more swell energy this headland might prove to be a nice point break.