Scotts Head
- Longboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell
- Spot Type
- Crowded
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Scotts Head is an exposed right-hand point break known for long, peeling rides. While it works year-round, it is most consistent in winter, and ride quality depends heavily on the amount and angle of sand build-up next to the rocks at the headland—when the sand isn’t in the right place, the surf can be inconsistent. Wave shape is described as peeling with moderate wave power. Rides are often reported as long, with datasets indicating connections ranging from roughly 150–300 meters, and in some conditions up to around 200 meters near the point with speedy sections. On larger days, the spot is said to handle size well, but it can develop a heavy sweep that makes paddling back out difficult. Wind is closely tied to southern to southwesterly patterns. Southwest winds are described as offshore, and the spot is also described as working best on south and southwest winds. Northeast winds can bring cross-onshore conditions that may make wave faces messier, and a wind shadow from the point can significantly affect southerly wind behavior. Safety is a key consideration: hazards include rocks and sharks, with strong sweeps/currents reported on bigger swells. Crowds can increase during holiday periods, and rescue availability is described as limited with seasonal lifeguard presence. For beginners, a more sheltered beach break nearby is mentioned as a better option.
- Long, peeling right-hand point rides
- Winter-favored conditions
- Strong sand-dependence for consistent wave face
- Long, peeling right-hand point rides
- Most favored in winter, with offshore-friendly southwest winds
- Main point and sandy launch area allow a longer, connected line when conditions line up
- Can be inconsistent due to dependence on sand build-up next to rocks
- Exposed conditions with rocks and sharks nearby
- Crowds can build during holiday seasons
- Large-swell days can create a heavy sweep that makes paddling back out difficult
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SW
- Offshore directions
- SW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Coastal/regional system influences with seasonal sea-breeze behavior mentioned for summer.
- Reliability
- inconsistent
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- June, July, August
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach launch mainly from the southern end near the point for surfers.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Sandy beach launch mainly from the southern end near the point.
Through the year
Highest during summer school holidays and weekends; quieter on weekdays in winter.
Late summer and autumn can see increased rainfall and east coast low storm events.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Not a primary kite destination due to headland wind shadow; the main beach can be used in NE winds for freeriding.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Possible on the main beach in NE winds; point offers some protection but depth near rocks is a concern.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 5–6 m²
Classic right-hand point break with long rides; performance is highly dependent on sand build-up next to rocks and can be inconsistent.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- ESE, E, ENE, NE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed — Marked as exposed, with wind/swell interacting strongly at the headland.
- Wind Effect
- Best on south and southwest winds; southwest winds are offshore. Northeast winds can be cross-onshore and messy.
- Bigger Swell
- Handles size well but can develop a heavy sweep that makes paddling back out difficult on larger swell.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Generally described as good; also noted variability linked to sand coverage and angle.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Also described as medium in another entry.
- Ride Length
- Long — Long, peeling right-hand point waves; can connect for several hundred meters on its day.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Long, peeling rides; described as up to ~200m in one dataset and typically 150–300m in another.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Scotts Head in the full forecast view.
Scotts Head wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–14 ktsGusts 29 kts
- Direction
- ENE61°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2514 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.1–2.2 m7s period
- Temperature
- 13–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Scotts Head is forecast for daytime winds of 3–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 29 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 1.1–2.2 m with a period of about 7s. 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
- strong currents
- crowds at the point
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard presence noted.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities in Macksville or Coffs Harbour; dial 000 for emergencies.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Respect locals at the main point takeoff.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the locals at the main point takeoff.
- The sand build-up next to the rocks strongly affects wave quality; conditions can be inconsistent when sand coverage is poor.
- On big days, watch for a heavy 'sweep' that can pull you north away from the point.
- Beach break at Little Beach is more sheltered and better for beginners.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Coffs Harbour
- Nearest Town
- Scotts Head
- Nearest Airport
- Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS) — approximately 50km
- Parking
- Paved parking available at the surf club and headland lookout.
- Public Transport
- Limited regional bus services connect the coastal villages to the rail line at Macksville and the regional hub of Coffs Harbour.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Caravan park adjacent to the beach; holiday rentals in town.
- Food & Drink
- Local cafes and a bowling club are within walking distance of the beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited surf hire available at local shops; specialized kite and wingfoil gear is typically found in nearby Coffs Harbour.
- Gear Storage
- Available at select holiday parks and surf clubs for members; many visitors store gear in private vehicles or accommodation.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surf and fiberglass repair shops are in Nambucca Heads; specialized sail and kite repairs typically require transit to Port Macquarie or Coffs Harbour.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A laid-back coastal getaway featuring community-focused beaches, headlands, and nearby national park scenery.
Jointly managed by the Gumbaynggirr people, protecting significant Aboriginal cultural sites and pristine dunes.
Explore mangrove systems and clear turquoise waters in the estuary by paddle.
A coastal venue offering drinks and meals with panoramic views of the point break.
Family-friendly parks with BBQ facilities overlooking the ocean.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Scotts Head?
The best overall months at Scotts Head are June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Scotts Head?
Scotts Head works with S, SW winds. Offshore directions are SW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Scotts Head?
Recommended equipment sizes at Scotts Head: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.
What skill level is Scotts Head suitable for?
Scotts Head suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.