Ocean Beach 1 (Hawke's Bay)

Ocean Beach 1 is a long, golden-sand ocean beach break in Hawke’s Bay, known for consistent, powerful surf and multiple sand-bar breaks (with occasional reef sections). Sources describe the best conditions as coming on eastern to southeast swells, with the spot repeatedly favoring mid tide. The ride can be short-to-medium and punchy on the right day, while the long coastline and multiple breaks generally help keep the number of available waves high. Wind-wise, the spot is associated with offshore-friendly conditions when winds come from the west (including North-West), improving cleanliness. One provider also notes the spot can be workable in North-East or South-East winds for kitesurfing, but the overall reputation is more strongly tied to heavy surf and strong currents, which raises the challenge level. Safety is a major theme for this location. Multiple sources highlight strong rip currents (including rips particularly near the northern rocks) and heavy shore break. Swimming is discouraged outside of designated patrol times, and the specific guidance is to swim only between lifeguard markers. The northern end near rocks is described as having good shape but also the strongest rips, so riders should be extra cautious with entry/exit routes and tide timing. Seasonally, the spot is described as year-round for surfing, with emphasis on autumn into early winter for consistency. Water temperatures are reported as fairly cold (roughly low-to-mid teens °C across many months, colder in winter), supporting the use of a quality steamer wetsuit for most sessions. Guidance also stresses checking tide conditions, as the surf can become very “fat” and mushy at high tide.