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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • 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)
Heads up
  • 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
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
18–27 °C
Water Temperature
12–29 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jun, Jul, Aug: 3/2mmDec–Nov: rash vest / 1mm top
Crowds by Season

Busiest during weekends and school holidays; July often sees the best conditions and higher crowds.

Storm/Rain Season

Summer months (January to March) can see tropical storms and more rain.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Reef break
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.
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashWetsuit

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.

Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Picnic area
Toilets
Showers
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.