Evans Head South Wall
- Longboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Intermediate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Evans Head South Wall is an exposed beach break on the north coast of NSW where a wall breaks over sand. It’s known for producing right-handers—especially when sandbars align well with the wall—though the spot doesn’t work very often, so sessions can be hit-or-miss. Winter is the favoured time of year, and conditions are described as best with east swell and a southwest wind component.
- Long, workable right-handers when sandbars line up
- Best swell from the east (and nearby east directions)
- Offshore west/southwest winds can groom wave faces
- Known for long right-handers when sandbars align with the training wall.
- Offshore west and southwest winds can help groom wave faces.
- Winter is the favoured season for surfing.
- The spot does not work very often, so availability can be inconsistent.
- Exposed conditions with moderate shore break.
- Shark presence is reported in the area, and river-mouth rip currents can be strong during larger swells.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW
- Offshore directions
- SW, W
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Provider data indicates light morning offshores followed by afternoon sea breezes are common in summer; ground truth describes seasonal winds with offshore southwest as the best wind direction for this spot.
- Reliability
- fair (wind reliability noted as fair; blown percentage around 33%)
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Light-gusts reported.
- Best Months
- April, May, June
- Shadow Zones
- The breakwall can provide some shelter from northerly winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Wave size described as medium; very large swells can become heavy and close out.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach launch accessible from the car park area south of the river mouth.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launch difficulty described as easy.
Through the year
Can be crowded during summer school holidays and weekends; much quieter during weekdays in winter.
Late summer and early autumn can bring tropical depressions and heavy rainfall.
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed beach break that forms off the southern training wall of the Evans River. Produces right-handers when sandbars align with the wall; does not work very often and winter is favoured.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- E, ESE, ENE
- Swell Height
- 1–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Optimal tide described as mid.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Overall conditions described as exposed, with the wall itself providing some shelter from northerly winds.
- Wind Effect
- West and southwest winds are offshore here, grooming the wave faces.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and close out in very large swells over 3 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Wave quality reported as good.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Wave power described as moderate.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Known for long right-handers; described as peeling.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Medium peel speed reported.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Long, workable faces when sandbars align; ride length described as medium.
- Ride Length Details
- Can offer long, workable faces particularly on a southeast swell.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Evans Head South Wall in the full forecast view.
Evans Head South Wall wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–13 ktsGusts 30 kts
- Direction
- NE49°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2513 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.1–2.0 m7s period
- Temperature
- 16–32 °C
Over the next 7 days, Evans Head South Wall is forecast for daytime winds of 4–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 30 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 1.1–2.0 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
- Sharks
- Rip currents
- Strong river mouth outflow
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is limited; coastline monitored by the local surf life saving club, with marine rescue operating from the river mouth for offshore assistance.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Ballina or Lismore; in an emergency dial 000.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Described as mild localism.
Rules of the spot
Surf with care around the river mouth breakwall and follow standard surfing etiquette; be mindful of recreational water users near the river entrance.
- Always surf with a mate due to shark presence in the area.
- Check the sandbars regularly as they shift frequently after heavy rain or big storms.
- The walk from the parking area is short and straightforward.
- Watch for strong rip currents alongside the breakwall, especially during larger swells.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Lismore
- Nearest Town
- Evans Head
- Nearest Airport
- Ballina Byron Gateway Airport (BNK) ~45 km north
- Parking
- Dedicated parking available at the end of the road near the breakwall.
- Public Transport
- access is primarily via private vehicle, with limited regional bus services connecting the town to Lismore and Ballina
- Access
- Accessible via South Evans Head Road leading to the beach car park near the surf club.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping grounds and holiday parks are located within walking distance in Evans Head.
- Food & Drink
- Cafes and bakeries are available in the Evans Head town center, a short drive or 15-minute walk away.
- Equipment Rental:
- Local surf shops in Evans Head provide board rentals.
- Gear Storage
- Storage facilities are limited; many visitors rely on accommodation for equipment security.
- Gear Repair
- Basic ding repair services are available at local surf shops.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Evans Head is a relaxed coastal destination at the mouth of the Evans River, with natural scenery and outdoor activities around Bundjalung National Park.
A historic museum featuring restored military aircraft and local aviation history.
Panoramic coastline views and a popular spot for whale watching during migration seasons.
Historical site documenting the 19th-century settlement of Italian immigrants in the region.
Extensive coastal trails and river kayaking opportunities through pristine wilderness.
A popular local hub for dining and social gatherings with views over the river.
Calm, shallow waters ideal for families, swimming, and fishing.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Evans Head South Wall?
The best overall months at Evans Head South Wall are January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December. The best wind months are April, May, June.
Which wind directions work at Evans Head South Wall?
Evans Head South Wall works with SW winds. Offshore directions are SW, W.
What skill level is Evans Head South Wall suitable for?
Evans Head South Wall suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.