Gold Coast surf spots

From the Superbank at Snapper Rocks up to the Spit: what each break needs to be good, who it suits, and a plain-English call for today.

• Snapper Rocks Intermediate+

  Famous right-hand point at the top of the Superbank. Long walls when the SE swell lines up.

  Best: south-westerly wind, east to south-south-east swell, mid tide.
• Rainbow Bay Learner+

  Sheltered bay next to Snapper. Soft, rolling waves on small days, great for learning.

  Best: south-south-westerly wind, east to south-south-east swell, mid tide.
• Greenmount Beginner+

  Point break tucked out of the southerly wind. Friendly when small, fast when it pumps.

  Best: south-south-westerly wind, east to south-south-east swell, mid tide.
• Kirra Intermediate+

  World-class barrelling right. Needs a big east or south-east swell to really turn on.

  Best: south-westerly wind, east to south-south-east swell, low tide.
• Duranbah Beginner+

  Punchy beach break by the Tweed wall. Picks up more swell than anywhere else around.

  Best: west-south-westerly wind, north-north-east to south swell, mid tide.
• Currumbin Alley Learner+

  Sandy right-hander at the creek mouth, sheltered from southerlies. A classic learner spot.

  Best: south-westerly wind, east-north-east to south-south-east swell, mid tide.
• Palm Beach Beginner+

  Long stretch of beach breaks with shifting sandbanks. Usually easy to find your own peak.

  Best: westerly wind, north-north-east to south-south-east swell, mid tide.
• Burleigh Heads Intermediate+

  Grinding right-hand point with long barrel sections when the south-east swell hits.

  Best: south-westerly wind, east-north-east to south-south-east swell, mid tide.
• Main Beach / The Spit Beginner+

  Open beach breaks up to the Seaway. Good banks and fewer people than the southern points.

  Best: westerly wind, north-north-east to south-south-east swell, mid tide.