Winkipop Surf Guide

Winkipop Surf Guide

Pulling in at The Bells/Winki parking lot, in the world's first Surfing Recreation Reserve, is a special treat, particularly when it's six feet plus. When it's that size, you'll see lines of swell well before you've get to the car park - a sight sure to get the heart beating.

Winki is without doubt a world-class wave. When it's on, it breaks for over 250 meters over a flat reef bottom. It's rideable from three feet (choose the lower tides), great from five feet, and unforgettable from 8 feet and up (all tides). On a typical three to five foot day there are two distinct sections, Uppers and Lowers. Get the right wave from Uppers and you'll connect through Lowers for one of the rides of your life. Many opt to sit at Lowers where it's less likely to close out on you.

You've got two choices for the paddle-out. When it's small you can head out in front of the break. When it gets bigger, paddle out from the beach at Bells. Take the path from the Winki car park and head to the right, down onto the sand at Bells. Watch the sets breaking out at Bells and wait for a nice gap. You want to be a good ten metres away from the reef to your left, known as The Button. Keep your eye on the Button as you express paddle through the shorebreak - you do not want to get swept onto it. Once you get round it, you're sweet - you'll drift quickly into prime location at Uppers.

LINEUP TIPS: Etiquette | Surf Safety Basics

LOCAL RESOURCES: Torquay Boardriders Club | Torquay Life Saving Club | Surf Coast Longboarders Club | Surf Coast Women’s Boardriders |