The processes which drive the beach and nearshore changes vary considerably in space and time. The spatial variability is the result of modulations of waves and wave induced processes by the complex topography of the shoreface and inner shelf fronting the beaches. In this study we employed a state-of-the-art computer model to evaluate the nature of these modifications and their impact on coastal processes. The model estimates wave modifications by shoaling, refraction, diffraction. and loss of wave energy by frictional interaction with the bottom