[spud]

Actually, a reef is an organism. The depth does vary as they build it up, then a storm might smash it.

There should be gaps, wide bits, some surf, etc.

I was googleing "reef" and this is the 2d image on the page:

http://www.surfersvillage.com/gal/pictu ... babe-7.jpg (it's work-safe, but it is of girls on a beach, not a coral reef---linked to protect those who have someone looking over their shoulder )

Real reefs:




Midway:


some in the solomons: