Backsides (Skinners)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Swell
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Backsides (Skinners) is an exposed right-hand reef break with reliable surf for experienced surfers on the North Coast. It works best with southeast swell and west winds, producing powerful waves with hollow sections. The break is rated as good overall, but it can get heavy when the swell builds. Typical rides are described as medium length (about 50–150 meters), with a fast, wally feel on the right. Sources also note that the spot can hold size, yet becomes advanced-only on larger days. Access and surf entry require care: the launch is described as a rocky entry, typically involving a rock jump or paddling from a nearby beach, with timing important to avoid being pushed onto the rocks. Hazards include rocks, sharp/submerged reef, kelp, strong currents (especially during larger swells), and sharks. Localism is noted as moderate; standard etiquette and respect for locals are emphasized. Wind and seasonal timing favor winter—July is consistently highlighted as the best month for the spot. West and west-to-northwest winds are described as favorable for grooming the faces, and one guide also gives typical wind ranges of roughly 10–20 knots with light gusts.
- Reliable right-hand reef waves
- Best in July with west wind and southeast swell
- Powerful and often hollow on the right
- Less crowded than nearby main reef options
- Reliable right-hand reef break with generally good wave quality
- Favorable when combining southeast swell with west winds
- Less crowded than nearby mainstream options (reported as unlikely to be too crowded even when surf is up)
- Exposed reef conditions over sharp rock
- Rock-jump entry can be tricky and demands careful set timing
- Shark presence and strong currents during larger swells
- Moderate localism
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W
- Offshore directions
- W, WNW, WSW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Sources also describe strong west-wind conditions for the break.
- Reliability
- Moderate reliability for offshore surfing conditions
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August
- Shadow Zones
- The headland offers some protection from southerly winds
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Reef
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Can become very heavy with bigger swell.
- Launch
- Small — Rocky entry; typically a rock jump or paddling from nearby.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Rocky entry with rock-jump component.
Through the year
Can be busy on weekends but generally less crowded than Lennox Point.
Summer months can bring tropical low-pressure systems and heavy rain; rainy period also noted as highest rainfall between February and June associated with East Coast lows.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed reef break with reliable right-riding waves, best with southeast swell and west wind. A high-performance right-hand reef break that can hold size well but becomes very heavy on bigger swells.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- SE, SSE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Best entry/conditions noted for a mid tide with a south swell.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed reef break.
- Wind Effect
- West winds are favorable; also thrives in glassy or offshore west winds.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size but becomes very heavy and suitable only for advanced surfers.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality described as good; rating referenced as 3 in one guide.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Can be very heavy and advanced-only on bigger swells.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Medium — Fast, wally right ride; can include barrel sections on the right swell.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- 50–150m typical; fast, wally ride.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Backsides (Skinners) in the full forecast view.
Backsides (Skinners) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–14 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- NE42°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2514 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.2–2.0 m7s period
- Temperature
- 17–31 °C
Over the next 7 days, Backsides (Skinners) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 1.2–2.0 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Sharks
- Localism
- Sharp reef
- Submerged rocks
- Strong currents
- Kelp
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No rescue availability reported for the immediate spot.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major hospital is in Ballina.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the locals.
- Entry involves a rock jump which can be tricky—best timed with the sets.
- Consider using a shark deterrent device (area known for white sharks).
- Best entry/conditions noted for a mid tide with a south swell.
- Use careful timing on entry and exit to avoid being pushed onto the rocks.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Ballina
- Nearest Town
- Lennox Head
- Nearest Airport
- Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK) – approx. 8km
- Parking
- Public parking available at the Skennars Head lookout.
- Public Transport
- Limited regional bus services connect Skennars Head to Ballina and Byron Bay, but a private vehicle is highly recommended for transporting gear.
- Access
- Access is via the Skennars Head car park followed by a walk down the cliff path to the rocks.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Holiday rentals, motels, and caravan parks in nearby Lennox Head and Ballina.
- Food & Drink
- Multiple cafes and restaurants are located a short drive away in nearby Lennox Head.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available in nearby towns of Ballina and Lennox Head; limited on-site rental directly at the beach (regional baseline).
- Gear Storage
- Generally not available at the beach; most riders store gear at accommodations or in private vehicles (regional baseline).
- Gear Repair
- Surfboard and gear repair shops are located in nearby industrial estates of Ballina and Byron Bay (regional baseline).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A premier coastal area between Ballina and Lennox Head with clear water, exposed headlands, and a strong surf culture.
One of Australia's iconic 'Big Things' located in nearby Ballina.
Australia's most easterly lighthouse offering panoramic views and history.
A scenic walking and cycling track connecting Ballina to Lennox Head along the clifftops.
Popular upscale dining with ocean views.
A fresh-water tea-tree stained lake perfect for family swimming and paddleboarding.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Backsides (Skinners)?
The best overall months at Backsides (Skinners) are July. The best wind months are May, June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Backsides (Skinners)?
Backsides (Skinners) works with W winds. Offshore directions are W, WNW, WSW.
What skill level is Backsides (Skinners) suitable for?
Backsides (Skinners) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced to Expert.