If there is one place you have to add as a surf destination, it’s Byron Bay!
Though the scene of Byron Bay has shifted over time to now be a hub for the ultra-wealthy, it is still one of the world’s greatest surf towns.
With picture-perfect beaches and waves, people from all over the world, flood here to experience this place for themselves. In this article we will take a look at some of the best places to surf in Byron Bay, and why people enjoy these waves so much.
What’s So Special About Surfing in Byron Bay?
Waves in Byron Bay
Byron Bay is put on the map because of its consistency and variety of waves.
While visiting, you can find a combination of both point breaks and beach breaks that tend to have waves all throughout the year.
Even if one break is blown out or too small to surf, there will always be another spot driving distance away that is still surfable.
Plus, there are waves for both beginners and experienced surfers to choose from.
The Surf Culture in Byron Bay
Since the waves here can get so good, it is no surprise that surf culture is an important part of Byron Bay.
Apart from this, Byron Bay is known for its laid back environment where you can feel free to express yourself and relax.
All these things attract tourists each and every year.
Equipment Needed to Surf in Byron Bay
The water in Byron Bay stays relatively warm all year round. With temperatures up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, you should stick to boardies and a bikini.
However, on windy days a rashguard or wetsuit jacket may be a nice addition to stay extra warm.
The Best Surf Spots in Byron Bay
The Pass
When people think of surfing in Byron Bay, they think of the Pass.
This wave is one of the most popular in the area, and therefore the busiest.
While this break can get larger waves during strong east-southeasterly swells, many traveling longboarders find this break extremely appealing.
The perfectly formed, long peeling rights make this wave easy to noseride on and maneuver your board.
You can also find a nice inside section here that often goes untouched by the locals and longboarders.
This means it is a perfect place for beginners learning to surf.
So, if you are willing to be patient for waves and share the lineup with a good amount of other surfers, this wave could definitely be worth it for you!
The Wreck/Boilers
Placed on the southern end of Belongil Beach is The Wreck. Here you can find both rights and lefts that form in front of an old shipwreck that peaks out of the water if the tide is low enough.
If you prefer to surf something with a little more power, the rights here tend to be faster and have a steeper drop.
You will find the best conditions here during a western swell with wind blowing from the east.
When these swells come in, the right will be filled with experienced surfers willing to battle the overhead waves and hollow faces.
Broken Head
Although Broken Head isn’t as popular as The Wreck or The Pass, some argue that you can score even better waves here. One downside is that this wave does tend to be less consistent than the surrounding breaks, but when it is good, it is almost always less crowded and more powerful than the surrounding breaks. So, if your surf regular, this right is a perfect spot for you to ditch the crowds and get a wave all to yourself. Depending on the size of the swell, this wave can be suitable for all different skill levels. The beach break offers manageable and softer waves, while the right-point break tends to be quicker and steeper.
Tallows Beach
Tallows is a point break that is protected against northerly winds that tend to blow out the other nearby beaches.
For that reason, when all other breaks are too small to surf or simply flat, Tallows will still have decent size and is surfable.
Although this wave may be further out from the main town, the extra drive will thin out the crowds.
One thing to be aware of as you surf here is sharks. Many locals say that this break is sharkier than the bay, but maybe that’s just them trying to keep a few extra surfers out of the lineup.
Either way, this wave may be worth the risk!
Wategos
Wategos is another soft right-hand wave that is favorable amongst longboarders and beginners.
The sandy bottom means that this wave can be surfed even on a low tide without fear that you may hit rocks under.
Still, when stronger swells come in, an outside wave starts to break and even some shortboarders may paddle out.
Since this wave isn’t very spread out, good days tend to draw in a large crowd that battles for waves.
So, if you want a few of your own waves, paddle out early and try to beat the crowd.
What To Do In Byron Bay When the Waves Are Flat
If the waves are flat all across Byron Bay, a simple alternative could be to just enjoy a beach day at whatever break you were planning on surfing at.
However, if you would rather be moving around there are plenty of places to snorkel, hike, or sightsee.
When The Wreck is small or flat, you’ll find tons of snorkelers and divers exploring the beauty underneath the water's surface.
Another popular activity is to visit the Cape Byron Lighthouse and the hiking trail attached to it.
This look is only about 2.5 miles, but it will weave you through rainforests and across cliffs, with beautiful views all along the way!
Surfing in Byron Bay
So here you have it, a list of some of the best waves in the world and when to surf them! It’s time to pack your bag and head over to Byron Bay and give a few of these spots a spin.
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