Difficulty 8
Break frequency 7
252 days a year
Wave Direction
Swell Direction
2.0m - 2.5m Swell
Wind Direction
Tide
spot author
Username: Ben
Date created: 04/01/2008
recommended board
- Shaper: Aloha
- Design: Stryka
- Sizes: 6'0 to 6'9"
- Surfer Weight: 70kg to 95kg+
The STRYKA is the brainchild of former WCT surfer Richie Lovett and was designed to offer the feel and sensitivity of a regular short board with the added advantage of having extra stability. This model was ... Read more
general information
Beacon is the prime surf spot along the three kilometre stretch that is Thirteenth Beach. When the wind is north-east (which is cross-shore at Torquay), and the tide is low, all roads lead to Beacon.
Beacon throws up classic A-frame peaks that barrel on the take-off, and the waves are short and sweet. At five to six foot (double over head), the barrels are round and the lip is heavy. Get to your feet quickly and pull in – it’s as simple as that. Any bigger than this and things can get a bit out of control at Beacon, as the currents are strong and the waves lose their shape.
Although reef does line the inter-tidal zone, where the waves at Beacon actually break is a sand bottom.
The peaks break in a random fashion at Beacon, and it’s easy to start paddling up and down the beach as you see waves breaking either side of you. Rather then chasing waves, you’re much better off just waiting calmly, as it is only a matter of time before one comes your way.
Beacon provides good peaks for 300 metres along the beach. The best ones are usually just to the right as you look out to the ocean from the top of the stairs. To escape the crowd that often ends up here, it is worth walking down the beach towards Sign Posts.
Beacon Bombie is approximately one kilometre out to sea, directly out from the car park. Surfers tow-in out here once the waves reach six foot plus (double overhead) on the beach break. Guys also paddle out there occasionally, probably against their better judgment.
Thirteenth Beach is a beautiful stretch of coastline ideal for surfing, swimming, walking, and enjoying summer. But, when the surf gets good, Beacon is where the action is.
BT
Wave length
<50m
Best months
March - October
Equipment
Body Board, Short board
Wave type
Barreling
Access
Standard Paddle
5 Day Forecast
5 day forecast not available.
Air - Sea - Swell - Wind
- 3/2 steamer
- 4/3 steamer
- 4/3 steamer
- 4/3 steamer
SE
SE
SW
W
SW
W
SW
W