Scarborough 2

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Freeride, Shortboard
Best for
Beginner to Expert
Skill Level
Swell, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Scarborough 2 is a sandy-bottom beach break on Perth’s northern coastline where surf is frequently on the smaller side and can become sloppy or close out most of the year, though it can improve when the sandbar setup, tide, and conditions line up. Multiple peaks can form across the sandbars, but the exposed beach environment and shifting bars can make wave consistency less predictable. For surfing, morning conditions with easterly/offshore winds are described as offering the cleanest wave shapes. South-west winds are reported to add heavier chop, so timing and wind direction matter. Typical rides are short (commonly reported around 30–60 m) and faster, punchier sections often end in a close-out near shore. In summer, an afternoon sea-breeze pattern (associated with the Fremantle Doctor) is described as strong and recurring, supporting wind- and foil-focused sessions. Winds are commonly in the 15–25 knots range, and the thermal window is described as starting roughly late morning/early afternoon and persisting through the afternoon into sunset (reported as around 12:00 PM–6:00 PM in one source, with regional guidance extending later to 7:00 PM). This same beach also sees heavy competition for space due to large crowds. Safety is a key concern at this spot: rip currents are common, shorebreak can be heavy, and sandbars shift—especially after winter storms. Lifeguards maintain strict zones between the flags, and no surfing or kiting is allowed within swimming-restricted areas. Crowds are frequently very intense, with many learner surfers who may drop in, so arriving early and managing right-of-way is especially important.

  • Cleanest surfing conditions reported with easterly winds (offshore)
  • Afternoon sea-breeze pattern is typically reliable in summer for wind sports
  • Multiple sandbar peaks can appear during suitable conditions
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardWindsurfing freerideKitesurfing freerideWingfoil freeride
What's great
  • Sandy beach break with multiple peaks along sandbars
  • Afternoon sea-breeze pattern can be strong and reliable in summer for wind sports
  • Year-round patrol zones with lifeguards and clear restricted areas
Heads up
  • Often small and sloppy, with frequent close-outs
  • Highly crowded, especially with learner surfers
  • Rip currents are common and sandbars shift
  • Beach/shorebreak can be heavy and exposed
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
E, S, SW, SSW
Offshore directions
E
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Sea breeze — Summer afternoon sea-breeze pattern associated with the Fremantle Doctor.
Reliability
High during summer months.
Gust Factor
Steady — Reported as steady conditions during the sea-breeze period.
Best Months
November, December, January, February, March
Recommended Kite Sizes
7–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Swell, Ocean
Beach
Sand — Sandy beach.
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Small — Often small; can be medium under the right setup.
Chop Level
Moderate chop — South-west winds can create heavier chop.
Launch
Medium — Wide sandy beach with ample space, but can be crowded with beachgoers in summer months.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
18–24 °C
Water Temperature
15–32 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb, Mar: 3/2mmMay, Jun, Jul: 4/3mmAug, Sep, Oct: 3/2mmNov, Dec: 3/2mm
Crowds by Season

Very crowded during summer weekends and school holidays.

Storm/Rain Season

June to August (windiest/wettest period with more stormy frontal systems).

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Often a sea-breeze afternoon window; main beach area can be restricted to surfers/swimmers, while kiters may use a southern launch area when conditions suit.

FreerideWaveBig airFoil
Kite Sizes
7–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Popular summer bump-and-jump windsurfing in the sea breeze; waves typically manageable with some experience.

FreerideWave
Sail Sizes
4.5–5.8 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Good when the sea breeze is in; shorebreak can be challenging for launching foils. Once clear, the swell can provide usable runners.

Foil Friendly
Yes — Foil-friendly when conditions allow safe launch and clearance.
Min Depth
1.5m
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Sandy-bottom beach break with multiple peaks along sandbars; commonly small and can close out most of the year, but can improve with the right wind/swell/tide/sandbank conditions.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
W, SW
Swell Height
0.5–2 m
Optimal Tide
All tides
Shelter
Exposed — Open exposed beach environment.
Wind Effect
Easterly winds are reported as offshore and can groom waves for cleaner conditions; south-westerly winds create heavier chop.
Bigger Swell
Closes out when the swell exceeds 2.5 meters.
Wave Quality
Average — Quality described as average; can be better with clean morning offshore wind and suitable sandbar setup.
Wave Power
Moderate — Can be small and sloppy most of the year, with better quality possible in right conditions.
Wave Shape
Mixed — Mixed with sandbars producing multiple peaks.
Peel Speed
Medium — Fast, punchy rides; often close out on the shore.
Ride Length
Short — Fast, punchy rides that often end in a close-out on the shore.
Typical Ride Length
30–60 m
Ride Length Details
Fast, punchy rides that often end in a close-out on the shore; typical ride length reported as 30–60 m.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Scarborough 2 in the full forecast view.

Scarborough 2 wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
4–15 ktsGusts 26 kts
Direction
S188°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2415 kts
Windy days
3/712 kts or more
Waves
0.5–2.0 m10s period
Temperature
9–26 °C

Over the next 7 days, Scarborough 2 is forecast for daytime winds of 4–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 0.5–2.0 m with a period of about 10s. 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

  • Rip currents
  • Heavy shorebreak
  • Crowds
  • Learner surfers dropping in
  • Sharks
  • Shifting sandbars
Ability Level: Beginner to Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Year-round — Patrolled by lifeguards with specific zones maintained during busy periods.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Regional guidance notes rescue availability as limited, while lifeguards are active with coverage increasing during peak seasons and weekends.
Emergency Info
Dial 000 in an emergency; Scarborough Surf Life Saving Club is on the main esplanade.
Localism / Vibe
None — Reported as none/mild localism, but the beach can be very busy and busy sessions increase risk.

Rules of the spot

Strict swimming zones (between the flags) are maintained by lifeguards; no surfing or kiting is permitted within the flagged areas.

Restrictions
  • No kiting in swimming zones.
  • Seasonal restrictions on watercraft during peak hours.
Local Tips
  • Check the sandbars after winter storms as they often shift.
  • Early morning is best for surfing before the wind turns.
  • Crowds can be extremely intense with many learner surfers who may drop in on others.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Perth
Nearest Town
Scarborough
Nearest Airport
Perth Airport (PER)
Parking
Northern car park is closer to the better banks; large public parking lots fill quickly on weekends and summer afternoons.
Public Transport
Transperth bus network (includes frequent route 990 to Scarborough beachfront)
Access
Take any exit off the northern freeway toward the coast (e.g., Cedric St), drive up Scarb Beach Road, see apartment buildings and the sun dial, turn right at the lights, then first left at the next lights to reach the northern car park closer to better banks.
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Changing rooms
Parking
Wi-Fi
Restaurant
Bar
Picnic area
Playground
Accommodation
Near — Numerous hotels, apartments, and hostels directly across the street from the beach; broader accommodation along the coast.
Food & Drink
Vibrant selection of cafes, bars, and restaurants along the esplanade.
Equipment Rental:
Surfboard rentals available in the Scarborough precinct; equipment rentals for surfing, kitesurfing, and wingfoiling are concentrated around the Scarborough/Trigg foreshores area.
Gear Storage
Not typically available; limited dedicated gear storage.
Gear Repair
Specialized repair for boards and kites is available in nearby industrial areas (Osborne Park/ Balcatta).
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Best time to visit: October to April
Sunset Markets0 km

Popular seasonal markets held on Thursday evenings featuring global street food and local crafts.

Whadjuk Noongar Coastal Walk Trail0.5 km

Trails and signage highlighting Indigenous heritage and the connection to the coast.

Coastal Cycle Path0 km

A paved multi-use path stretching for kilometers along the coastline, suitable for cycling or running.

The Sandbar Scarborough0.1 km

A beachfront bar and restaurant popular for drinks at sunset.

Snake Pit Scarborough0.1 km

A world-class skate park and climbing wall facility located on the foreshore.

Scarborough Beach Pool0 km

A geothermally heated open-air public swimming pool overlooking the ocean.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Scarborough 2?

The best overall months at Scarborough 2 are November, December, January, February, March.

Which wind directions work at Scarborough 2?

Scarborough 2 works with E, S, SW, SSW winds. Offshore directions are E.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Scarborough 2?

Recommended equipment sizes at Scarborough 2: Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–5.8 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.

What skill level is Scarborough 2 suitable for?

Scarborough 2 suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.