Kingston 1 (Burnt Pine)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Kingston 1 (Burnt Pine) is an exposed reef break known for producing powerful, hollow right-handers when the conditions line up. It’s described as reliable and is best in October, with favorable sessions also noted across late spring into early summer. Surf quality is tied to southern groundswells and the swell direction typically works best from the south (including southwest). The break is shallow over reef, so performance can be excellent when connected, but it can also become very heavy and hazardous as the swell increases—especially at lower tides. Windwise, the spot is associated with trade-wind influence and offshore flow from the north, which helps clean up the wave face. Cross-wind situations (from east/west) can add chop, so better sessions generally come when the wind is aligned offshore. Safety is the key consideration: the reef and seabed features include rocks/urchins and there are reports of sharks. Currents can be strong near reef passes and during larger swells. There are no lifeguards on site, so riders should plan for self-rescue readiness and consider wearing appropriate foot protection (booties) for the reef and sea-urchin hazard.
- Reliable exposed reef break best in October
- Powerful, hollow right-handers
- Offshore north winds clean up the face
- Serious reef hazards: rocks, sharks, and sea urchins
- Reliable exposed reef surfing with hollow, powerful right-handers
- Best conditions are consistently associated with October (and the broader spring–early summer window)
- Offshore winds help clean up the face when aligned correctly
- Advanced reef break with shallow sections that can get very dangerous on low tide or if the swell is too strong
- Hazards include rocks, sharks, and sea urchins
- Strong currents can develop near reef passes, especially during larger swells
- No lifeguards present
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NE, NW
- Offshore directions
- N
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Offshore winds are from the north; winds described as trade winds.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Described as light gusts.
- Best Months
- October, November, December
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach launch areas.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Described as medium overall; works from about 1.5 to 3 meters for the ideal swell window.
- Launch
- Medium — Beach launch from Slaughter Bay or Emily Bay to paddle out to the reef.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch described as moderate difficulty.
Through the year
Generally low crowds; locals frequent the spot when it’s firing.
Rain can occur year-round but is slightly more frequent in winter months. Possible effects from distal tropical cyclones between January and March.
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed reef break with reliable surf best in October. Produces powerful, hollow right-handers over shallow reef, so conditions can turn dangerous on low tide or on bigger/stronger swell.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Best on mid tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed reef break (not sheltered).
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the North clean up the face; cross-winds from the East/West create chop.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle significant size but becomes very heavy and dangerous as the reef is shallow.
- Wave Quality
- Good — High-quality reef break; described as good overall.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Can be powerful on the right day/swell.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Known for hollow right-handers.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Peels across the reef with fast peeling action.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Rides typically range from 50 to 150 meters depending on swell connection.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical rides range from 50 to 150 meters; a typical connected ride is around 100 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Kingston 1 (Burnt Pine) in the full forecast view.
Kingston 1 (Burnt Pine) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 8–15 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- ESE113°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 2715 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–2.3 m10s period
- Temperature
- 18–20 °C
Over the next 7 days, Kingston 1 (Burnt Pine) is forecast for daytime winds of 8–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 0.9–2.3 m with a period of about 10s. 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
- sea urchins
- strong rip currents can occur near reef passes and during large swells
- shallow reef
- shallow coral heads and sharp reef sections
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards present.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue is managed without a professional lifeguard service.
- Emergency Info
- Norfolk Island Health and Residential Aged Care Service (Hospital) is located in Burnt Pine.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Localism described as none in one source; another source describes it as mild.
Rules of the spot
Respect local surfers and follow standard surfing etiquette.
- Wait for a solid south swell and northerly winds for the best conditions.
- Booties are recommended due to the sharp reef and sea urchins.
- The reef can be very shallow at lower tides—exercise extra caution then.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Burnt Pine
- Nearest Town
- Kingston
- Nearest Airport
- Norfolk Island Airport (NLK)
- Parking
- Public parking available near the beach at Slaughter Bay
- Public Transport
- No public transport system; visitors typically rely on rental cars, bicycles, or walking
- Access
- Accessible via Quality Row in the Kingston historic area; a short walk from the parking areas at Slaughter Bay
- Local Language
- English, Norf'k
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation ranges from boutique self-catering apartments and cottages to mid-range hotels, primarily concentrated around Burnt Pine and the periphery of the historic area.
- Food & Drink
- Small cafes are located nearby in the historic area, with more options in Burnt Pine.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited surf rentals may be available in Burnt Pine; basic surf and SUP equipment can be rented locally.
- Gear Storage
- No dedicated regional storage service; typically managed through private accommodation.
- Gear Repair
- No specialized sail or kite repair shops; riders are advised to bring their own repair kits.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Kingston area mixes marine clarity and exposed ocean/reef scenery with heritage attractions in the Kingston historic zone.
UNESCO World Heritage site featuring convict-era buildings and ruins.
Housed in historic buildings within the Pier Store and Old Gaol, detailing the island's Bounty and convict history.
Extensive walking tracks through subtropical rainforest with views of Mount Pitt and Mount Bates.
Central hub in Burnt Pine for coffee and local meals.
View the coral reefs and marine life around Emily Bay and Slaughter Bay without getting wet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Kingston 1 (Burnt Pine)?
The best overall months at Kingston 1 (Burnt Pine) are October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Kingston 1 (Burnt Pine)?
Kingston 1 (Burnt Pine) works with N, NE, NW winds. Offshore directions are N.
What skill level is Kingston 1 (Burnt Pine) suitable for?
Kingston 1 (Burnt Pine) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.