When it comes to surfing, the Gold Coast is probably up there with having some of the best breaks in the world. Okay, maybe I’m slightly biased, however along the 57 kilometre-long strip of the stunning coastline, there are definitely waves for everyone. Regardless of whether you’re a blossoming beginner, or a more experienced surfer, there is a myriad of Gold Coast breaks waiting for you. Here are my top ten favourite spots (in no particular order) to get the board wet and the adrenaline pumping.
1. Currumbin Alley
Where the creek meets the sea at Currumbin, the Alley is not only one of the most beautiful spots on the Gold Coast, but is also the perfect little surf spot for beginners and long boarders, as it’s protected by the southern onshore winds. Funnily enough, this unique point is also the home to huge waves in a cyclone swell, if you’re lucky enough to own a jet ski to get out there. More often than not, the waves are super mellow and it’s the perfect spot for people of all ages to get amongst it. What are you waiting for?
2. Rainbow Bay
With a picturesque shoreline, long wave rides, sandy bottoms and soft shores, this beach is suitable for beginners, as well as intermediate surfers. If you’re more experienced and chasing some barrel action, there are usually a few pumping out the back too. It’s usually a pretty busy spot throughout the week, but if you get there early enough, fun times are guaranteed.
3. Duranbah
Although Duranbah is technically just over the border, I think it’s worth claiming as a Gold Coast beach, as it continues to be one of the most popular surfing spots. D’ bah is an east-facing beach, with exposed swell creating punchy, technical waves. You’ll find both left and right hand waves that are generally more suited to those who have a bit of surfing experience, but even if there isn’t much swell, there are always good and consistent waves to be found.
4. Snapper Rocks Coolangatta
Snapper Rocks is legendary amongst the surfing community and is the home break of surf pro icons, such as Mick Fanning, Steph Gilmore and Joel Parkinson. It’s also the first section of the renowned two-kilometre ride, starting in Snapper and finishing up in Greenmount. Yes, that’s right, a TWO KILOMETRE wave. However, a chance to ride such an infamous break is bound to have a downside and in this case, it’s the crowds. On a good day, it’s possible to count over 1,000 surfers in the water along this amazing stretch. Yet, despite the traffic in the water, it all seems to run pretty smoothly. Snapper Rocks is experienced surfers only though, so if it’s your first ever time surfing, best find a different spot.
5.The Spit
Fun breaks run in to the north and the south of The Spit, the long protuberance that juts out from the top end of Gold Coast, just before the South Stradbroke seaway. All of the breaks will give you a good time on your board, however, the rights are so much better to the north and the lefts work better in the south. This break is one of the best places on the Gold Coast to test out your new surfing skills, as the waves are mellow and the crowds are significantly smaller as well.
6. Burleigh Heads
Let’s be honest, surfing in Burleigh is always enjoyable and I’d be surprised if it wasn’t on most people’s Top 10 spots to surf. Offering a range of point breaks, suitable for both advanced surfers when pumping and beginners when smaller, Burleigh is a great option for when the conditions are sloppy elsewhere, or if Kirra and Snapper are overcrowded. With the backdrop of the lush national park, the setting is not only picturesque but also very enticing, particularly when the point breaks are on form. Either way, Burleigh consistently offers a high-performance break for those who manage to make it over the boulders and past the strong current.
7.Kirra
Considered by many to be one of the finest sand-bottom right-hander point breaks, it’s no surprise that you have to share the waves at Kirra. With hundreds. But it is worth it. Hugely powerful and heavy-lipped, the tubes and epic ride lengths of Kirra are legendary. And if that’s not enough, Kirra is also set up to hold the biggest swells which Mother Nature can throw at it.
Although the wave quality can easily be affected, as is true of all sand-bottom breaks, when Kirra is on, it’s really and truly on and you’d best brace yourself for one of the longest covered rides you’ll ever experience. Akin to a few of the other aforementioned top spots, Kirra’s major drawback, other than mastering the power of the tube, is the crowd. It’s not uncommon to see over 200 people in the lineup and drop-ins are commonplace. Definitely not for the faint hearted.
8. South Stradbroke Island
‘Straddie’, ‘TOS’ or ‘The Other Side’, is a remarkable man-made phenomenon, just a short trip over the Southport Seaway. In fact, some surfers say South Straddie is the best beach break on the Gold Coast, given it’s both a swell magnet and has an A-frame, that is, a wave that breaks both ways. Although you need a boat to get there, it’s worth the trek as you’ll be rewarded with not only great waves, but also stunning, mostly untouched beach, without a structure in sight. This excellent break requires skill and a whole lot of energy to paddle, but is well worth it for the awesome peaks. For experienced surfers only. Trust me, my first ever surfing experience was South Straddie and I don’t recommend it!
9. Miami and Tugun
If you’re sick of the crowds and looking for a fun and fairly consistent break, Miami and Tugun beaches are where you need to be. Both of these have breaks that are consistent, with a good right and left, quality shories and a mid-break fast and hollow. Extra bonus is a car park (with available parks!) onsite and more often than not, the waves to yourself. Best time in the day is early in the morning before the wind picks up.
10. Broadbeach
Although there are some iconic photos of surfers entering and exiting the waves, shadowed by the landscape of skyscrapers and hotels at Broadbeach, there are definitely better waves to be had along the coastline. In saying that however, you can still occasionally have a fun surf at Broadbeach, especially early in the morning before the wind kicks up, as well as with southerly elements in the forecast and a SW offshore.
If that hasn’t enticed you into the water with a board, then best you stick to the cafes that align most of these beaches and sit back, relax and watch the surfers work their magic.