general information

Gallows is a left-hand reef break one kilometre north of Guillotines. Gallows initially breaks 500 meters out to sea, before reforming and breaking on the inside where the take off zone is. Tow-in teams use the outside break as a practice ground. The waves out here are extremely fat, and not at all appealing for paddle surfing. Bodyboarders may remember the ‘Outside Gallows’ segment from one of the Tension movies a few years ago – well this is it. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a long story…

The inside reform is where the action is, the peak is shifty – so be alert. The optimum size for this section of the wave is two to four foot, bigger waves will wash all the way through from the outside. If it’s three foot (head high) or bigger, it has a horrible sweep that drags you north, so you’ll need some fitness to continuously paddle against it. Gallows can be an unpredictable wave - a three wave set can easily have one closeout, one wave that goes fat and doesn’t peel, and one that races down the line perfectly for 100 meters and barrels. Gallows is also quite shallow right on the inside, so negotiate with caution.

300 meters to the north of Gallows is a break named Hangman’s. Hangman’s is a right-hander breaking over reef and sand. It is a fickle surf spot but, when it turns on, it’s a great wave. 

To get to Gallows it’s basically the same as Guillotines, but instead of turning left at the end of Juniper Road, turn right.

Gallows is a fun wave that doesn’t get too crowded. If you surf it when it’s small the sweep isn’t too bad. On larger swells you’ll be cursing the sweep, and your pathetic surf fitness.