Black Head is a surf spot located in New South Wales, Australia. Known for its challenging conditions, this spot features a mix of sand and rock bottoms, making it suitable for intermediate surfers. The wave direction is predominantly right, and it is best surfed at medium to high tide. Black Head is considered a regional classic, although it only breaks sometimes, offering waves less than 50 meters in length. The spot is not typically crowded, with only a few surfers present. When the swell, wind, and sandbanks align, the spot can produce a grinding right-hander with hollow, ledgey barrels, breaking over a rock and sand bottom. This rare phenomenon is only experienced by the dedicated, as the wave barrels as wide as it is high onto inches of water over the cunji-covered reef. However, most of the time, it is an average point break. The wave is great for experienced surfers when it’s pumping, but it doesn’t turn on too often. The chances of scoring this wave at its full potential are low unless you’re checking it all the time. The spot involves a rock entry and breaks out the front of a headland, making it suitable only for experienced riders. Parking is easy, but surfers should be mindful of localism. Additionally, the area is known for rips, undertow, and the presence of sharks. Nearby surf spots include Shelly Beach, Ballina North Wall, Backsides, and Flat Rock. Surfers should check their skills before paddling out to ensure the spot and conditions match their surfing level. It’s important to respect the locals and adhere to surf etiquette, especially in crowded spots. Respect the locals. Check out the good surf at Black Head in the next 7 days, the webcams, the full forecast report, or see the spot on the surf map.
Tides have a significant impact on wave quality at certain surf spots like Black Head, causing conditions to vary throughout the tidal cycle. As the tide moves between high and low, the water depth over the seabed changes, affecting how the waves break. At these spots, high tide usually produce softer, slower waves, while low tide can generate faster, steeper waves. Some spots have specific tide stages when they work best, offering optimal conditions only at certain times of the day.
Near spots
There are 74 surf spots within a range of 100 km from Black Head. Use this section to find alternative spots that may be less crowded, better suited for your surfing skills, or offer a better forecast report for the next 7 days. Each spot includes detailed surf reports, forecast updates, and webcam views to help you plan. Whether you're seeking less crowded alternatives or simply exploring a region, the list of nearby surf spots is an essential tool.
See all 74 surf spots