The Bill (Southwell)

The Bill (Portland Bill) is a rare, reef-rock break that typically activates only during large swells at high (rising) tide. When it works, it can produce powerful left and right-hand waves breaking over a boulder/reef bottom with strong tidal influence.

Wave Direction

Both

Optimal Swell

N

Swell Height

2–3.5 m

Optimal Tide

High — High tide only, with rising tide conditions noted as preferred.

Shelter

Exposed — Direct sea exposure to open water; generally exposed conditions.

Wind Effect

Best with north winds described in one source (offshore/grooming); another provider indicates offshore winds are required to groom the heavy swell wrap. Expect grooming strongly dependent on wind angle.

Bigger Swell

Holds up to 3m+ swell / 10ft+ in one source; other provider notes it only starts working when the swell is large enough to wrap around the point and can hold on larger swell.

Wave Quality

Good — Quality described as good when it’s on; described as a rare regional classic.

Wave Power

Powerful — Providers and ground truth consistently describe the break as powerful; commonly described as heavy/rare when it does fire.

Wave Shape

Mixed — Provider descriptions vary (mixed vs hollow); expect heavy reef-rocky character with variability.

Peel Speed

Medium — Provider notes medium peel speed; another provider notes fast peel speed—treat as variable with conditions.

Ride Length

Medium — Rides can be very long on a good day, with multiple sources describing up to 50–150m depending on swell/tide.

Typical Ride Length

50–150 m

Ride Length Details

Ground truth and provider data indicate ~50–150m on a good day; one provider notes rides up to 150m either way.