Cudmirrah Reef
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Ocean, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Cudmirrah Reef is an exposed reef-break surfing spot on the NSW South Coast, known for producing powerful right-hand reef waves over a rock platform. When swell and wind align, the break can offer hollow sections, with ride lengths typically described as medium and able to section depending on swell angle. The spot is generally considered a safe bet on the right day, though summer can be mostly flat. High and mid tide are emphasized for best results, while low tide can expose shallow water on the inside of the reef—making timing particularly important. Wind direction plays a big role in ride quality. Southeast winds are noted as preferred, while west and northwest winds are reported to provide cleaner offshore faces. Overall wind reliability is described as moderate and sensitive to direction, so checking conditions before launching is advised. Safety is a major consideration: rocks are the primary hazard, with rip currents and submerged reef features (including urchins) also reported. Additional warnings include the possibility of sharks. Lifeguards are reported as seasonal, and rescue availability is described as limited/variable; riders should follow local guidance and carry appropriate safety gear such as a leash and protective equipment (e.g., helmet and impact protection where recommended).
- Powerful right-hand reef waves
- Works best on high to mid tide
- May is the most consistently noted time of year
- Exposed reef break that’s often a reliable option when conditions line up.
- Powerful waves with potential hollow sections over the rock platform in optimal conditions.
- Clean offshore-facing wind options (especially west/northwest) can improve wave riding.
- Rocks and submerged hazards (including urchins).
- Rip currents are common.
- Can get very shallow on the inside at low tide.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW, SE
- Offshore directions
- NW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade
- Reliability
- Moderate; highly sensitive to wind direction.
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Reported as steady.
- Best Months
- May
- Shadow Zones
- Southwesterly winds can be partially blocked by the headland.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Swell
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Wave size reported as medium; can be powerful when conditions are right.
- Launch
- Beach access leads to the reef break situated off the rock platform.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Short walk from parking but includes crossing sand and navigating toward the reef area.
Through the year
Quieter during weekdays; can get busy with locals and weekend travelers during summer holidays.
Rain can occur year-round; slightly more frequent in summer and autumn.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed reef break with a reliable shape, most often ridden for its right-hand reef sections. Works best with good swell and at higher water levels.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- NE, S, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- High, Mid — Best on high to mid tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach/reef break.
- Wind Effect
- Southeast wind preferred; west and northwest winds are reported to give cleaner offshore faces. The spot is sensitive to wind direction.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger swells but becomes heavy and requires advanced skill.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Typically a safe bet; summer can be mostly flat.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Can produce hollow sections over the rock platform in optimal conditions.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Medium — Sections depending on swell angle.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Decent wall that can section depending on swell angle; some sources describe it as a powerful right-hand reef break.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cudmirrah Reef in the full forecast view.
Cudmirrah Reef wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–12 ktsGusts 23 kts
- Direction
- ENE76°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 3012 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–2.1 m8s period
- Temperature
- 10–32 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cudmirrah Reef is forecast for daytime winds of 2–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Friday, October 30 with gusts to 23 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.9–2.1 m with a period of about 8s. 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
- Rip currents
- Urchins
- Submerged reef
- Shallow water at low tide
- Sharks
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — One source states rescue is available; group-level guidance notes no dedicated on-water rescue base and seasonal beach patrols by local clubs.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facility reported in the area is Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital in Nowra. Emergency services can be reached at 000.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Reported as no localism.
Rules of the spot
Follow local surfing etiquette and local SLSC guidelines.
- Check the tide before heading out; the reef can get very shallow on the inside at low tide.
- Crossing the sand from the car park is short but requires care.
- Conditions are usually most reliable around May.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Nowra
- Nearest Town
- Cudmirrah
- Parking
- Free parking lot available at Cudmirrah Beach; public parking near beach access tracks reported.
- Access
- Accessible via Pacific Way in Cudmirrah; follow signs to the beach and reef area.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Nearby accommodation options include holiday park and local holiday rentals around Cudmirrah and Sussex Inlet.
- Food & Drink
- General store and cafes available in nearby Sussex Inlet.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental available in Sussex Inlet or Ulladulla.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cudmirrah Reef?
The best overall months at Cudmirrah Reef are May.
Which wind directions work at Cudmirrah Reef?
Cudmirrah Reef works with NW, SE winds. Offshore directions are NW.
What skill level is Cudmirrah Reef suitable for?
Cudmirrah Reef suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced to Expert.