Ballina North Wall, also known as Lighthouse Beach, is a quality right-hander that throws up wedging peaks where the groyne meets the Richmond rivermouth. It has a punchy, Duranbah-like feel over sand, and it holds more size than the town beaches to the north like Shelly and Angel, which pick up good banks of their own.
When It Works
The bank here is consistent, so there's usually something to ride when the swell is in. It draws swell from northeast through east-southeast to south (NE-ESE-S), with southeast (SE) the best match, and the wedging peaks reel off as rights. It works from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 3.7 m / 12 ft, giving it a wide window and letting it handle bigger days than the beaches up the coast.
Wind and Tide
Look for southwest (SW) offshore wind, and note that the groyne also gives great protection from southerly winds. The spot works across low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This one suits intermediate surfers, and you can expect a moderately busy lineup with a talented local crew usually on it when it turns on. The rivermouth's big freshwater flow acts as a highway for both swell and fish, and this stretch has seen shark attacks, including a fatality at Shelly in 2015. Avoid early, late, or solo sessions and paddle out with the pack, since there's safety in numbers.
Access
You'll find restrooms, showers, camping, and a surf shop nearby. There's a car park with free parking, plus roadside parking if you need it.
