Cactus surf report
Remote, world-famous left and right reefs near Penong on the far west coast.
New region (beta): these break settings are still being checked by locals. Spot something off? Tell us.
Tomorrow at Cactus (Sun, 4 Oct) · best 2pm–4pm
Pumping.
Glassy, no wind, overhead waves. Rated for an advanced surfer.
- Barely any wind (5 kn), so it'll be glassy and smooth.
- Waves around overhead (2.0m faces), a good size for an advanced surfer.
- South-westerly swell at 12 seconds, an angle this spot likes.
- Mid tide and dropping at 2pm, which suits this spot.
- Wind swings south-south-easterly 7 kn around 5pm, so it'll get choppy.
Forecast checked Sat, 3 Oct, 8:41 pm Gold Coast time.
When is Cactus good?
- Best wind
- Northerly (offshore) or none
- Best swell
- South-south-east to west-south-west
- Best tide
- Mid tide
- Suits
- Advanced+
It is for advanced surfers.
It gets most of the open-ocean swell, so there is usually something to ride. A northerly wind blows offshore here, so mornings before the sea breeze are usually cleanest. Get Frothin’ checks the wind, swell, tide and the live wave buoys every hour and tells you, in plain English, whether it's worth paddling out at Cactus for your level.
Watch out
Heavy reef breaks, remote, and sharks are a real risk.
Frequently asked
What are the best conditions for surfing Cactus?
Cactus is best with a northerly (offshore) wind or no wind, a south-south-east to west-south-west swell and mid tide. It gets most of the open-ocean swell, so there is usually something to ride.
What wind is offshore at Cactus?
A northerly wind (N) blows straight offshore at Cactus, holding the waves up and keeping them clean. Light winds are good too. Onshore winds make it choppy.
Is Cactus good for beginners?
No. Cactus is for advanced surfers. Beginners should try Middleton or Goolwa instead.
What should I watch out for at Cactus?
Heavy reef breaks, remote, and sharks are a real risk.
Nearby breaks
- Seaford 619.4 km
- Parsons Beach 649.1 km
- Waitpinga 652.2 km