Examination of rocky coastal profiles in Australia and Europe suggests that two major and genetically distinct types of erosional surface should be recognized, one of these being the shore platform, whether sloping or horizontal, smooth or rough, which is best developed on promontories and terminates in a low-tide cliff, the other being the wave ramp, often exposed in bays, which slopes gradually down from about high water level to merge with the submarine slope near-shore. A modified terminology for erosional surfaces on rocky coasts is proposed.