Chicken Run (Bashams Beach) (Victor Harbor)

Chicken Run (Bashams Beach) is a sheltered right-hand point break off Port Elliot that relies on a solid swell to wrap into the bay. It’s positioned over a rocky/reef boulder bottom, so when the wave closes in between you and the rocks it can become very heavy and 'super-suck'—a setup that tends to demand care and appropriate control. Multiple sources describe the spot as best in winter, with August highlighted as the standout month. The break is also described as unreliable, with clean, surfable sessions occurring only a fraction of the time; conditions that include sufficient swell size and wave period are key for the wave to form properly. Wind-wise, north winds are repeatedly noted as the best orientation for surfing conditions (north/offshore for the wave). Because it is sheltered, southerly components are more protected by the point and nearby cliffs, which helps maintain rideable conditions when other nearby areas are blown out. Safety considerations are prominent here: the hazards include rocks and unpredictable swell wrapping, with sharks and whales also mentioned in seasonal/winter context. No lifeguards are listed for this spot, and rescue availability is described as no/limited—so surfers should plan conservatively, use appropriate safety gear (including a helmet and leash), and observe whale approach-distance rules during the whale season.