Sawtell (Sawtell)
- Bodyboard, Beginners
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Chop, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Sawtell is described as an exposed East Coast surf area with reliable small-to-medium waves and multiple beach-break peaks, plus a notable right-hand point at the southern end. For surfing, the provided guidance emphasizes South to South-westerly winds, with best results often coming around low to mid tide; a good wave window is also described for South to South-east swell. From a safety standpoint, the biggest concern is rip currents—especially near the creek and headland—along with rocks around the southern end/point area. Shark presence is also noted in the area. Lifeguard coverage is seasonal, with daily patrols described during NSW school holidays; riders should follow on-site instructions and standard water-safety etiquette. Wind-wise, typical surfing-friendly offshore direction is stated as West to South-west (with conditions also described as onshore-favorable depending on the wind pattern). In warmer months, the area can experience consistent afternoon NE sea breezes (thermal/sea-breeze pattern), while winter weather is associated with more frequent S–SW systems. Beyond surfing, the spot is also presented as a wind-sport playground: advanced kiters and windsurfers can find wave-riding conditions in NE sea breezes, and wingfoiling is possible when the swell is manageable—though shore-break entry is highlighted as a caution point. Overall, Sawtell is positioned as a low-profile, locals-mixed scene with moderate facilities and parking close to the beach.
- Reliable exposed surf with beginner-to-intermediate windows
- Best aligned with South to South-westerly winds and low-to-mid tide
- Seasonal patrol coverage during school holidays
- Multiple peaks and a right-hand point feature at the southern end
- Reliable, exposed beach break with generally good wave quality
- Good conditions typically align with South to South-westerly winds and low to mid tide
- Seasonal lifeguard patrol during school holidays
- Multiple sports supported (surf, plus advanced wind sports in the right wind)
- Strong rip currents are a major hazard, especially near the creek and headland
- Rocks around the southern end/headland and point area can be dangerous
- Shark activity is recorded in the area
- Can get messy with East/North-East winds
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, S, SW
- Offshore directions
- W, SW
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Wind type described as trade; winter best month cited as June. Regional context also notes winter S–SW systems and summer NE sea breezes.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- June
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Surf size described as small to medium depending on swell and conditions.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Water/chop described as chop in the physical data provided.
- Launch
- Medium — Easy self-launch from sandy beach; also described as a long sandy beach with a grassy reserve and surf club area.
Through the year
Busiest during summer school holidays and weekends; quieter during winter.
East coast lows can occur between March and June, bringing heavy rain and extreme surf; no distinct storm season noted in one provided seasonal summary.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Wave-sailing spot for experienced kiters in northeast winds; mix of cross-onshore conditions and rolling surf noted.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Best for wave-riding in northeast sea breezes, with multiple peaks for riding and jumping mentioned.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.7–5.7 m²
Suitable for wingfoiling when swell is manageable; beach provides space but shore break requires careful entry.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly conditions noted with a minimum depth requirement provided.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed beach break with reliable surf and several peaks; a right-hand point at the southern end is also mentioned in the provided data.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE, SSW, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low, Mid, All tides — Sources emphasize best results on low to mid tide; another source indicates all-tides usability.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Onshore-favorable for the trade/south-westerly style conditions described; described as offshore in West/South-West winds, but gets messy with East/North-East winds.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size but can become heavy and close out on massive beach-break swells; can handle up to ~11 ft swell but becomes too large for beginners.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Soft — Also described elsewhere as soft to moderate; generally not overly powerful for the typical beginner-friendly windows.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Beach peaks: short to medium rides; point areas can be longer on a good swell.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical ride lengths cited as 50–150 meters; shorter rides on beach peaks and more structured walls possible at the point on a good swell.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Sawtell (Sawtell) in the full forecast view.
Sawtell (Sawtell) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–11 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- ENE64°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2511 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.2–2.1 m8s period
- Temperature
- 15–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Sawtell (Sawtell) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 1.2–2.1 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
- Strong rip currents, particularly near the creek and headland
- Rocks at the southern end/headland and near the point break area
- Sharks (shark activity recorded in the area)
- Small shore break (for surfing conditions at the beach)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Patrolled daily during NSW school holidays; otherwise seasonal (per provided notes).
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited; local rescue coverage is seasonal/peak-season based.
- Emergency Info
- Call 000 for emergencies. Nearest major hospital is Coffs Harbour Health Campus.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Low-profile, locals described as a mild localism environment.
Rules of the spot
Follow lifeguard instructions where patrolled; standard surfing etiquette. For wind sports, kitesurfing and windsurfing are typically done away from primary flagged swimming areas.
- No motorized watercraft in swimming zones
- Rips are a major hazard here, especially near the creek and headland.
- Works best on low to mid tide; South to South Westerly winds produce best conditions.
- The southern corner offers some protection from southerly winds.
- Check with the local surf life saving club for current beach conditions and hazards.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Coffs Harbour
- Nearest Town
- Sawtell
- Nearest Airport
- Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS) — approximately 6km north.
- Parking
- Parking available at Sawtell Main Beach, Fourth Avenue, Sawtell 2452; ample parking also noted at Sawtell Surf Club and along Fourth Avenue.
- Public Transport
- Limited local bus services connect Sawtell to central Coffs Harbour; a vehicle is highly recommended for transporting gear.
- Access
- Access via Boronia Street (from north via 1st Avenue/Sawtell Road, from south via Lyons Road). Parking available at Sawtell Main Beach on Fourth Avenue and at/near the surf club.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Holiday parks, apartments, and motels within Sawtell village.
- Food & Drink
- Cafes and restaurants in Sawtell town centre and near the surf club.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboard rentals available in the region; also stated as limited options in Sawtell itself. Regional equipment rental is generally available through local surf schools and retailers.
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 Sawtell (Sawtell)?
The best overall months at Sawtell (Sawtell) are June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April. The best wind months are June.
Which wind directions work at Sawtell (Sawtell)?
Sawtell (Sawtell) works with W, S, SW winds. Offshore directions are W, SW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Sawtell (Sawtell)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Sawtell (Sawtell): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.7–5.7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–25 kts.
What skill level is Sawtell (Sawtell) suitable for?
Sawtell (Sawtell) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.