- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Pocket is an exposed reef point break at Point Cartwright on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast North Coast, producing mostly right-hand waves off the rocks. It’s described as fairly consistent overall, but summer can trend mostly flat, so the more dependable surfing period is typically in winter. The spot tends to work best when a suitable east to southeast swell combines with an offshore wind direction (west to southwest reported). In those setups, the reef can provide a workable wall with peeling, moderate power and ride lengths commonly described as medium—often around 50 to 100 meters. Because it is a reef break, it demands caution: hazards include rocks and sharks, and currents near the point can become strong on larger swells. Submerged reef areas also matter at low tide, so the launch approach and timing are important to reduce risk. Operationally, rescue coverage is reported as seasonal with limited rescue availability at the spot, and the point can get very crowded when it’s working. Riders are advised to keep a clear buffer from the rocks and avoid taking chances in messy wind/currents, especially during bigger sets.
- Right-hand point reef break off Point Cartwright
- Winter (especially July) is reported as the best time for more favorable conditions
- Offshore west to southwest winds improve conditions; east/northeast winds can make it messy
- Fairly consistent surf overall, with winter typically the best period for rideable waves
- Works well with east/southeast swells and appropriate offshore wind direction
- Long enough rides for a point-reef wall experience (often reported in the 50–100 m range)
- Reef and rocks increase risk, especially at lower tides
- Strong currents can develop near the point on bigger swells
- Winter crowds can be heavy when conditions are clean
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SW, W
- Offshore directions
- SW, W
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Sea-breeze / onshore influence at times; offshore commonly occurs with west to southwest winds.
- Reliability
- consistent
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- June, July, August
- Shadow Zones
- The point provides shelter from South winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Mixed — Described as mixed; reef-based break at a rocky point.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Surf spot descriptions commonly place it around medium size; larger swells can make it heavy and current-prone.
- Launch
- Medium — Sand access leading to a rocky point.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Busiest during weekends and school holidays; July often sees the best conditions and higher crowds.
Summer months (January to March) can see tropical storms and more rain.
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed reef point break at Point Cartwright producing mostly right-hand waves off the rocks, known to hold workable size in the right swell setup while remaining hazardous due to reef and currents.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- SE, SSE, E
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Reported optimal tide: mid.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Sheltered somewhat from southerly winds by the point, but overall the break is described as exposed.
- Wind Effect
- Best when west to southwest winds are offshore; it gets messy with east to northeast winds.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger swells but becomes heavy and prone to strong currents.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Consistent conditions are most often reported during winter, though summer can trend flatter.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Can section depending on swell direction; provides a fun, workable wall.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Pocket in the full forecast view.
Pocket wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–11 ktsGusts 22 kts
- Direction
- NE41°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2511 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.5 m6s period
- Temperature
- 19–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Pocket is forecast for daytime winds of 3–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.6–1.5 m with a period of about 6s. 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
- Currents
- Submerged reef
- Local fishing lines
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Emergency Services: 000. Sunshine Coast University Hospital in Birtinya is the primary medical facility serving the region.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Watch for submerged rocks at lower tides; keep clear of the point area where currents can intensify on bigger swells.
- The point can develop strong currents near it during larger swells.
- Avoid submerged rocks—especially at lower tides.
- The point can get very crowded when the break is working.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Sunshine Coast Regional
- Nearest Town
- Buddina
- Parking
- Parking is available at the end of Pacific Boulevard and near the lighthouse park area.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Plenty of holiday rentals and apartments in Buddina and Mooloolaba.
- Food & Drink
- Cafes and restaurants are located within walking distance in the Buddina and Mooloolaba area.
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 Pocket?
The best overall months at Pocket are June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Pocket?
Pocket works with S, SW, W winds. Offshore directions are SW, W.
What skill level is Pocket suitable for?
Pocket suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.