Smiths Point Left (Yallingup Coast)
- Advanced riders
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Smiths Point Left is an exposed left-hand point break on the Yallingup Coast, part of the wider Margaret River surf area. It’s a low-profile spot in practice because it only comes together when specific swell and wind conditions align, rather than being consistently fishable. The wave breaks over a limestone reef and is described as powerful and technical, with fast peeling sections and the potential for hollow walls and occasional barrels. The spot works best with a South-West (and sometimes W/SW) swell pulse that helps the wave wrap around the point, while East or South-East offshore winds help produce cleaner, groomed faces. West winds are described as detrimental to the quality. This is an advanced-only launch environment. The take-off is localized and tight, and reef dynamics can create a noticeable surge during lower tides. Strong sweeps and rip currents are especially relevant on larger swells (noted as common when the swell exceeds about two meters), and the reef includes sharp limestone and submerged rocks, with thick kelp beds also mentioned as an obstacle. Safety risk is elevated: reported hazards include sharp rocks and sharks, and the spot is not recommended for beginners. Lifeguards are not present at this break, and rescue coverage is typically limited and focused on main beach areas. If you go, use an appropriate wetsuit setup, keep a leash, and be prepared for a critical take-off plus intensified current on bigger sets.
- Powerful, fast left-hand point break
- Best with SW/WSW pulses and East/South-East offshore winds
- Technical, reef-driven take-off and high hazard environment
- Quality left-hand point break with powerful sections
- Can produce hollow, fast-peeling waves and occasional barrel opportunities
- Clear water quality in the region
- Only works when conditions are just right (limited consistency)
- Technical and critical take-off over a shallow reef
- Reef, strong currents, and sharks are significant hazards
- Can be crowded when swell/offshore conditions line up
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- ESE, E, SE
- Offshore directions
- ESE, E, SE
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Seasonal offshore mornings in summer are commonly followed by a moderate afternoon sea breeze.
- Reliability
- high reliability for offshore conditions during summer mornings
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- The point can offer some protection from south-westerly winds, but it is largely exposed.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand and adjacent rocky/reef areas; surf breaks over reef.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Medium surf conditions are typical when the spot is in range; can handle significant size with more critical take-off on bigger swells.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — West winds are detrimental; East/South-East offshore winds help keep faces cleaner.
- Launch
- Medium — Rocky entry from the headland or a long paddle from the adjacent sandy beach
Through the year
Peak crowds occur during summer holidays and on weekends with good swells; winter can be quieter but more challenging
Winter (June to August) is the primary storm season with frequent cold fronts
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed left-hand point break over a limestone reef that only works when conditions are just right. The wave peels across the reef and can become technical with a critical take-off.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- SW, WSW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Low-tide reef dynamics can create a noticeable surge; watch the take-off.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Largely exposed overall, with partial protection from south-westerly winds via point effects.
- Wind Effect
- Easterly offshores and East/South-East winds can provide cleaner, groomed faces; West winds are detrimental.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle significant size, but the take-off becomes extremely critical and the current intensifies.
- Wave Quality
- Good
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Can offer occasional barrel opportunities.
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Medium — Typically offers rides between 50 and 100 meters depending on the swell connection.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Waves typically offer rides between 50 and 100 meters depending on the swell connection.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Smiths Point Left (Yallingup Coast) in the full forecast view.
Smiths Point Left (Yallingup Coast) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–15 ktsGusts 28 kts
- Direction
- SSW193°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2415 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–2.8 m10s period
- Temperature
- 10–23 °C
Over the next 7 days, Smiths Point Left (Yallingup Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 28 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 0.7–2.8 m with a period of about 10s. 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
- Sharp rocks and reef
- Strong rip currents and sweeps
- Large sharks
- Rocks
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Seasonal patrols are typically focused on main beach areas; reef sections may be remote and unmonitored.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Margaret River or Busselton. Dial 000 for all emergency services in Australia.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Standard international surfing etiquette applies; respect the local lineup in this highly competitive zone.
- Not recommended for beginners
- Critical take-off; reef conditions require advanced experience
- The take-off is very localized and tight.
- Watch for the 'surge' on the reef during lower tides.
- A long-period South-West swell is required for the wave to wrap properly around the point.
- Not recommended for beginners.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Busselton
- Nearest Town
- Yallingup
- Nearest Airport
- Busselton Margaret River Airport (BQB)
- Parking
- Public parking is available at the end of Smiths Beach Road
- Public Transport
- Extremely limited; private vehicle/rental car recommended for coastal access
- Access
- Accessible via the Smiths Beach car park followed by a walk along the rocks or a paddle around the point
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Luxury resorts and holiday houses are located directly behind Smiths Beach.
- Food & Drink
- A cafe and restaurant are located within walking distance at the nearby resort.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surfboards can be rented in Yallingup or at shops near the main beach access.
- Gear Storage
- Dedicated gear storage facilities are rare; accommodation providers can often accommodate large sports equipment.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard repairs available locally; major repairs may require travel to specialized shops.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Ancient limestone cave with stalactite and stalagmite formations and guided tours.
Granite rocks carved into a narrow ocean channel, with a scenic boardwalk.
A center dedicated to the local Wardandi Noongar people’s culture and history.
World-class long-distance hiking trail running along the coast through Yallingup.
Historic hotel with a beer garden and live music overlooking the ocean.
Outdoor timber maze with a cafe and puzzle shop for families.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Smiths Point Left (Yallingup Coast)?
The best overall months at Smiths Point Left (Yallingup Coast) are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November. The best wind months are December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Smiths Point Left (Yallingup Coast)?
Smiths Point Left (Yallingup Coast) works with ESE, E, SE winds. Offshore directions are ESE, E, SE.
What skill level is Smiths Point Left (Yallingup Coast) suitable for?
Smiths Point Left (Yallingup Coast) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.