Crescent Head surf report
One of Australia's great longboard points: long, slow rights on a south-east swell.
New region (beta): these break settings are still being checked by locals. Spot something off? Tell us.
Tomorrow at Crescent Head (Sun, 4 Oct) · not worth it
Nah.
Choppy onshore wind, head-high waves. Rated for a beginner.
- North-north-easterly wind at 7 kn. That's onshore here, so it'll be choppy and messy.
- Waves around head high (1.2m faces), on the big side for a beginner.
- East-north-easterly swell at 7 seconds, an angle this spot likes.
- Mid tide and rising at 10am, which suits this spot.
- Faces around 1.2m. If it looks too much, watch from the beach. There's no shame in it.
- At 1.2m and 7 seconds, Crescent Head is one for intermediate surfers and up today. Crowded on good days. Mind the rocks on the point.
Forecast checked Sat, 3 Oct, 9:13 pm Gold Coast time.
When is Crescent Head good?
- Best wind
- South-south-westerly (offshore) or none
- Best swell
- East-north-east to south-south-east
- Best tide
- Mid tide
- Suits
- Beginner+
Who it suits depends on the size: beginners up to about 0.8m, intermediates up to about 1.8m. Bigger than 1.8m it is for advanced surfers. Long-period groundswell hits harder, so it counts as bigger.
It is a bit smaller than the open beaches, which keeps it friendly when the swell is up. A south-south-westerly 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 Crescent Head for your level.
Watch out
Crowded on good days. Mind the rocks on the point.
Frequently asked
What are the best conditions for surfing Crescent Head?
Crescent Head is best with a south-south-westerly (offshore) wind or no wind, a east-north-east to south-south-east swell and mid tide. It is a bit smaller than the open beaches, which keeps it friendly when the swell is up.
What wind is offshore at Crescent Head?
A south-south-westerly wind (SSW) blows straight offshore at Crescent Head, holding the waves up and keeping them clean. Light winds are good too. Onshore winds make it choppy.
Is Crescent Head good for beginners?
It can be. Crescent Head suits beginners on small, clean days. On bigger days it is better left to more experienced surfers.
What should I watch out for at Crescent Head?
Crowded on good days. Mind the rocks on the point.
Nearby breaks
- Port Macquarie (Lighthouse Beach) 31.4 km
- Coffs Harbour (Park Beach) 100.9 km
- Angourie Point 193.2 km