Rush South
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves
- Spot Type
- 15–25 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Rush South is a clean, sandy beach spot with shallow water and generally small surf. Riders benefit from a big launch/landing area that becomes very wide at low to mid tide, helping with longer, easier riding distances for suitable conditions. At higher tide, the usable beach can narrow. Kitesurfing is the standout use: it’s described as working exceptionally well in southerly winds (S to SW), with flat-to-choppy water patterns depending on tide and small waves appearing more readily at higher water. The wind window highlighted for the spot is March, April, May, and September/October, with a typical wind range around 15–25 knots and moderate gustiness. Safety is a key consideration. The most important hazard is the strong current near the southern end by Rogerstown Estuary, especially on ebbing tide; beginners are advised to avoid that area. There are also rocks near the northern end near the town/harbour, and conditions can be affected by tidal range, potential debris/sandbars near the estuary mouth, and summertime beachgoers. On weather comfort, conditions are cold to cool through the year. Summer can allow lighter suits, but a long wetsuit is commonly used in winter. Lifeguards are seasonal, and rules emphasize using designated launching areas and respecting designated swimming zones during peak summer hours; launches should only be made past the soft sand sign.
- Shallow, rideable water with a large sandy launch area (widest at low to mid tide)
- Best kitesurfing winds from S to SW
- Prime months: March, April, May, September, October
- Strong southern-end estuary current is the main beginner warning
- Very large sandy launch/landing area with shallow, rideable water
- Works best with southerly to southwesterly winds
- Easy beach access and on-beach parking
- Good season for consistent conditions in spring and autumn
- Strong estuary currents at the southern end near Rogerstown Estuary (especially on ebbing tide)
- Beachgoer crowding risk in summer
- Cooling water temperatures year-round
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SSW, SW, SE, SSE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal
- Reliability
- High during autumn and spring; reliant on Atlantic low-pressure systems.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- March, April, May, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Kitesurfing sees small waves; surfing is generally small to poor-quality.
- Launch
- Big — Very large sandy area at low and mid tide; can become narrow at high tide.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Crowded in summer (June–August / July–August) due to Blue Flag status; quieter off-season.
Winter months (December to February) see the most frequent storm activity.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Works exceptionally well in southerly winds, offering flat to choppy water at lower tides and small waves at higher tides. The large sandy area is ideal for launching and landing; shallow water helps accessibility.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Good bump and jump conditions in southerly winds. Shallow water makes it accessible, though at low tide the walk can be long with heavy gear.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–6.5 m²
Suitable for wingfoiling, particularly at mid to high tide for sufficient mast clearance; avoid very shallow areas at low tide.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Generally too sheltered for significant surf, though small waves can occur during heavy SE or S swells.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered
- Wind Effect
- Southerly winds create significant chop; SW can be slightly offshore.
- Bigger Swell
- Closes out when swell exceeds 2.5 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Poor
- Wave Power
- Soft
- Wave Shape
- Mushy
- Peel Speed
- Slow
- Ride Length
- Short
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Rush South in the full forecast view.
Rush South wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–25 ktsGusts 46 kts
- Direction
- SW219°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2425 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–1.9 m4s period
- Temperature
- 8–17 °C
Over the next 7 days, Rush South is forecast for daytime winds of 6–25 kts, peaking around 25 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 46 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.2–1.9 m with a period of about 4s. 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
- Estuary currents (southern end near Rogerstown Estuary can be very strong, especially on ebbing tide)
- Rocks at the northern end of the beach near the town and harbour
- Beachgoers
- Tidal range
- Potential debris or sandbars near the estuary mouth
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No
- Emergency Info
- Dublin Coast Guard handles maritime emergencies in the area.
Rules of the spot
Use designated launching areas for water activities; respect designated swimming zones during peak summer hours.
- Only launch past the soft sand sign
- No kitesurfing in designated swimming zones during peak summer hours
- Only launch past the soft sand sign.
- Mid-tide is often the best compromise between water depth and beach space.
- The southern end is best avoided by beginners due to the Rogerstown Estuary current pulling out to sea.
- Stay clear of the estuary mouth if you are not experienced with strong currents.
- Avoid kitesurfing in designated swimming zones during peak summer hours.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Rush
- Nearest Town
- Rush
- Parking
- Parking available on the beach / public parking lot at the south beach entrance.
- Access
- N1 north from Dublin and exit to Rush; follow signs and reach the beach south of Rush (south shore road).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation options in Rush and also around neighboring towns (including guesthouses/B&Bs).
- Food & Drink
- Local restaurants and cafes in Rush village, plus pubs and restaurants within walking distance in Rush town center.
- Equipment Rental:
- No permanent rental shops directly on the beach.
- Gear Storage
- None available on-site.
- Gear Repair
- Major repairs handled by specialist shops in the greater Dublin area; no dedicated on-site repair mentioned.
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 Rush South?
The best overall months at Rush South are March, April, May, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Rush South?
Rush South works with S, SSW, SW, SE, SSE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Rush South?
Recommended equipment sizes at Rush South: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Rush South suitable for?
Rush South suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.