Shingles (Westport)

Exposed sandy/sandy-shingle beach break at the Buller River mouth (north bank) with right-hand point characteristics. Produces right-hand point break conditions, often mellow on lower tides and can become hollow/wally on higher tides. Can become heavy and disorganized with large swells; the river mouth bar can create dangerous conditions.

Wave Direction

Right

Optimal Swell

NW

Swell Height

1–2.5 m

Optimal Tide

Low — Optimal tide noted as low in one source; another source indicates mid-tide. Expect variability—lower tides may be mellower, while too low can contribute to short closures.

Shelter

Exposed — Exposed overall; described as semi-sheltered by the North Mole in one provider’s notes.

Wind Effect

South winds are offshore and groom the wave face; best with SE wind is also noted, while NW swell/wave direction compatibility is important.

Bigger Swell

Needs a big NW swell to get working. When swell is large it can become heavy and disorganized; river mouth bar conditions can be dangerous. If swell is too big or tide too low it can close out.

Wave Quality

Good — Wave quality reported as good; another source describes average/variable quality.

Wave Power

Powerful — Wave power described as powerful; other sources describe it as moderate with short/punchy rides.

Wave Shape

Mixed — Mixed shape reported; can be wally/hollow/powerful depending on conditions.

Peel Speed

Medium — Peel speed is described as medium.

Ride Length

Short — Ride length typically short and punchy; can close out if the swell is too large or the tide too low.

Ride Length Details

Short and punchy; often closes out if the swell is too large or the tide is too low.