North Haven
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell
- Spot Type
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Range
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
North Haven is an exposed beach/breakwater surf spot on the Mid North Coast with very reliable conditions. The break is centered on the breakwall, producing a quality right-hander, commonly referred to as “The Wall,” with additional peaks further north on the sand. For surfing, the spot is generally good to excellent for riders seeking consistency, with waves that can peel and hold length into the beach. Sources also note that larger swells can hold size for a time before closing out, and that wind direction matters: westerly winds tend to be offshore and help keep conditions cleaner. The main safety concerns are rocks, plus the risk of strong currents at the Camden Haven River mouth (including dangerous bars and strong currents on outgoing tide), and rip currents. Kitesurfing restrictions also apply in flagged swimming areas, and there can be boat traffic near the river mouth. Seasonally, June is flagged as the most consistent month for surf. Summer tends to be best for wind-based sports when afternoon sea breezes are established, while winter brings the shift toward more swell-driven surfing conditions.
- Very reliable exposed beach/breakwater surf
- Right-hander off the breakwall with peeling sections
- Offshore westerly winds can provide the cleanest surf/wind conditions
- Very reliable beach/breakwater surf
- Quality right-hand wave off the breakwater with long peeling sections for capable riders
- Exposed conditions with rocks around the break
- Strong river mouth currents and potential rip currents can be dangerous
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, SW, NW, NE, S
- Offshore directions
- W
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Summer Noreasters/NE sea breezes; in colder months westerlies and S/SE systems can contribute.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- September, October, November, December, January, February
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Often described as very reliable but not consistently large.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach at Grants Beach with ample space north of the breakwall.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Wide sandy launch space.
Through the year
Can get busy on weekends and during school holidays, especially near the breakwall.
Late summer and autumn (February to May) typically see the highest rainfall totals.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Grants Beach provides a long stretch of sand suitable for kitesurfing in north-easterly or southerly winds; the area near the wall is usually reserved for surfers.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Bump and jump conditions are common during summer northeasterlies.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–6.5 m²
Suitable on the beach side; the river mouth can be used but requires caution due to boat traffic and strong tides.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed beach/breakwater with very reliable surf; right-hand wave breaking off the northern breakwater, with additional peaks further north on the sand.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE, E
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Breakwater creates partial protection compared with the open coast; still exposed overall.
- Wind Effect
- Westerly winds are offshore and provide the cleanest conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold size up to about 3 meters before closing out; larger swells break further out and can get heavy.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Quality right-hander off the northern breakwater ('The Wall').
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can offer long, peeling sections into the beach.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Waves off the wall can deliver long peeling sections into the beach.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for North Haven in the full forecast view.
North Haven wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–14 ktsGusts 29 kts
- Direction
- ENE60°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2514 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.2–2.8 m8s period
- Temperature
- 14–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, North Haven is forecast for daytime winds of 3–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 29 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 1.2–2.8 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
- sharks
- strong river mouth currents
- boat traffic
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards patrol nearby Grant's Beach seasonally.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Marine Rescue coverage is limited for the river mouth/coastal waters.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number 000; Port Macquarie Base Hospital is approximately 30 minutes away by car.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; avoid flagged swimming zones.
- No kitesurfing in flagged swimming zones
- Check the tide before heading out; river mouth currents are strongest during mid-tide cycles.
- The best banks often form right next to the breakwall.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Port Macquarie
- Nearest Town
- North Haven
- Nearest Airport
- Port Macquarie Airport (PQQ) ~35km
- Parking
- Large car park available at the Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club.
- Public Transport
- Limited local bus services connect North Haven to Laurieton and Port Macquarie; private vehicle is highly recommended.
- Access
- Easy access via Ocean Drive and North Haven local roads. Club North Haven: 1 Woodford Rd, North Haven NSW 2443; Grants Beach/Camden Haven SLSC: 128 The Parade, North Haven NSW 2443. Large car park at the Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Caravan parks and holiday rentals are available within North Haven and nearby Laurieton.
- Food & Drink
- A cafe is located at the Surf Club; additional options are in the North Haven village.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental availability is provided through surf schools and schools in the broader region; specialized kite/wing equipment rental is limited.
- Gear Storage
- Limited; mostly available through private accommodation or local surf clubs for members.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard repairs available in the region; specialized kite/wing bladder or sail repair typically requires travel to larger cities.
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 North Haven?
The best overall months at North Haven are September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May. The best wind months are September, October, November, December, January, February.
Which wind directions work at North Haven?
North Haven works with W, SW, NW, NE, S winds. Offshore directions are W.
What equipment sizes are recommended at North Haven?
Recommended equipment sizes at North Haven: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–25 kts.
What skill level is North Haven suitable for?
North Haven suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.