13th Beach Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
SW
Wind
North-east
Surf Height
Chest high to overhead.
Tide
Lower tides
13th Beach Surf Guide
Twenty minutes’ drive east of Torquay, this wide-open reef-modified beachbreak zone can be among the highest quality surf in the country on its day. 13th is a go-to for many of the region’s surfers thanks to its swell-magnet status — when Bells is waist-high, here can be twice that. Offshore reefs help fracture approaching swells so they arrive in the surf zone as peaks, rather than just the long walls of Southern Ocean legend. The swells still pack Southern Ocean power, though, and low tide can be a real board-breaker. Best in small to medium SW swells and light to moderate NE-NNW winds. Have a photo for this break? Send it over!
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
Intermediate to advanced.
Local Vibe
Welcoming
Friendly.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Mellow, busy during peak times.
Spot Rating
Fun
Can be high quality on its day, with plenty of power and great shape.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Moderate.
Water Quality
Fair
Sewage treatment works affect this beach.
Hazards
Concealed rocks, currents.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Fish, Funboard
Access
Sealed road parallel to beach, several car parking areas, easy access.
Bottom
Sand, intermittent reef.
Best Season
Works year round, best in summer/autumn.
Do you have local knowledge about 13th Beach?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]