Triangles 1
- Advanced riders
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Swell
- Spot Type
- Empty
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Triangles 1 is an offshore reef break in the Newcastle region (near Norah Head) that’s known for heavy, powerful waves over a reef that shallows abruptly. Surf quality can be excellent, with hollow sections and fast, intense rides—especially when the spot gets the right winter swell. Best conditions are reported for July, and the most favorable wind direction is West (with cleanest surf when winds are offshore from West or Northwest). The spot is also described as working with south to south-east swell, producing right-hand reef peaks on the better sets. Safety is a major factor here. The spot is sharky and has a submerged reef alongside strong currents and sweeps—particularly on larger swell days. Access is demanding (often a long paddle, with larger-day safety sometimes requiring a boat or jet ski), and rescue availability is described as none at the spot. Despite the seriousness of the conditions, crowding is generally low: it’s described as unlikely to be too crowded even when the surf is up. Local guidance emphasizes watching how different sections behave (“Inside” vs “Outside”) and staying conservative until you understand the specific set pattern on that day.
- July is the best month
- Offshore West/Northwest winds give the cleanest surf
- Powerful right-hand reef peaks that can hold significant swell
- Generally low crowds
- Powerful reef-wave potential and excellent wave quality on its day
- Best conditions in July with winter swell/wind alignment
- Generally unlikely to be crowded even when surf is up
- Expert-only conditions: offshore reef break with heavy peaks
- Submerged reef hazards and strong currents/sweeps
- Shark hazards
- Long paddle / demanding access; rescue support not assured
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, WNW, SW
- Offshore directions
- W, WNW
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Winter conditions are commonly driven by cold fronts (more reliable in winter).
- Reliability
- Low to moderate; depends on winter cold fronts.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August
- Shadow Zones
- Partially sheltered from South winds by Norah Headland.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Rocks — Reef/rocky reef environment.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big — Reported as a heavy reef-wave that can hold significant swell.
- Launch
- Big — Long paddle out from the southern end of Soldiers Beach or from near Norah Head; also accessed by boat for bigger days.
- Launch Difficulty
- Expert only — Reported as difficult due to long paddle distance and reef hazards.
Through the year
Generally low crowds due to difficulty and distance from shore.
Rain can occur year-round, with occasional East Coast Lows in autumn and winter.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Serious outer reef break at/near Norah Head. Works reliably with winter cold fronts aligned with south/south-east swell, producing powerful right-hand reef peaks. Requires a long, demanding paddle on most days.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SE
- Swell Height
- 2–4.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed offshore reef setup; not sheltered from the wind/swell—conditions can escalate quickly.
- Wind Effect
- Cleanest with offshore West or Northwest winds.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds very large swells; becomes a serious outer-bombie style wave on bigger days.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — World-class on its day; can become a serious outer-bombie style wave on bigger swells.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — A powerful offshore reef break that can hold significant swell and create heavy peaks.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can provide intense, fast rides with hollow sections.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical ride lengths around 100–150 meters are reported, with fast/hollow sections on the best sets.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Triangles 1 in the full forecast view.
Triangles 1 wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–12 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- E85°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2612 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–2.0 m8s period
- Temperature
- 13–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Triangles 1 is forecast for daytime winds of 2–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 0.9–2.0 m with a period of about 8s. 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
- Sharks
- Powerful waves
- Submerged reef
- Long distance from shore
- Strong currents
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported for this spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Rescue availability reported as none at this spot.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facility: Wyong Hospital (Kanwal). Emergency services: dial 000.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Moderate localism; generally respectful but best results come from understanding local swell/reef behavior.
Rules of the spot
Use extreme caution at an offshore reef break: long distance from shore, submerged reef, and strong currents/sweeps can make rescues difficult. Avoid going alone on the biggest days.
- Not recommended for novices due to offshore distance, strong currents, and a sharp reef with heavy surf potential.
- Often requires a boat or jet ski for safety and access on the biggest days.
- Watch how the 'Inside' and 'Outside' sections behave differently.
- Strong currents and sweeps are common, especially on large swell days.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Newcastle
- Nearest Town
- Norah Head
- Parking
- Parking available at Soldiers Beach surf club or Norah Head lighthouse area.
- Access
- Accessible via a long paddle from Soldiers Beach or by boat from the Cabbage Tree Bay boat ramp.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Holiday parks and rentals in Norah Head and Toukley.
- Food & Drink
- Cafes and a surf club are located nearby at Soldiers Beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Local surf shops in Toukley or Long Jetty; surfboard rentals are available through local surf schools (not always directly on-site).
- Gear Storage
- Generally limited; not specifically reported at the spot.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surfboard repairs via local surf shops in the Central Coast region.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Central Coast area around Norah Head is known for nearby coastal scenery and outdoor nature experiences, with popular local points of interest including a lighthouse and conservation areas.
Active lighthouse offering guided tours and 360-degree views of the coastline.
Protects the last significant littoral rainforest on the Central Coast and features significant Aboriginal heritage.
Hiking trails, bird watching, and secluded swimming spots within a protected coastal environment.
A local venue offering dining and live music overlooking the lake system.
High ropes and zipline courses in eucalyptus forest, suitable for various ages.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Triangles 1?
The best overall months at Triangles 1 are July. The best wind months are May, June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Triangles 1?
Triangles 1 works with W, WNW, SW winds. Offshore directions are W, WNW.
What skill level is Triangles 1 suitable for?
Triangles 1 suits these riding levels: Surfing: Expert.