South Bay Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
South Bay Surf Guide
This is the resort part of the town with a long, curved stretch of sand that arcs from the harbour round to the Spa to the south. The majority of the bay is pretty poor surf wise, flat, lacking in sandbars, and backed by amusements... Good fish & chips through. This part of the bay is very sheltered so can be one of the few spots that stays clean in huge northerly storms. Where things get interesting is at the Spa end with its numerous areas of flat reef and where the currents conspire to produce better banks. Not high tide due to sea wall.
Ability Level
Beginner - Intermediate
Fun spot for all abilities.
Local Vibe
Doable
Busy, hectic.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
May be one of the only spots breaking so expect crowds.
Spot Rating
Fun
Mostly a close-out or fat, can be fun waves at southern end.
Shoulder Burn
Medium
Any size quite hard work.
Water Quality
Clean
OK.
Hazards
Crowds, rips, rocks at southern end.
Bring Your
Shortboard, Funboard, Longboard, Fish
Access
Parking is tricky here with limited sea front spaces near to Spa.
Bottom
Sandy bay with reefs to south.
Best Season
Big winter swells or storms December - February.
Do you have local knowledge about South Bay?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]