Overview
Catherdral Rock is a fast right-hander that speeds down a knobbly reef of uneven rock and sand. The take-off jacks up quickly, then the wave stutters through barrel sections before drawing into fatter walls and rifling off again along the reef. On the rare lined-up days it can run long, covering real distance at speed.
When It Works
It takes a big southwest or straight south swell to switch this one on. The reef draws swell from south to southwest, with southwest (SW) the best match, and it works from 1.5 m / 5 ft to 3.7 m / 12 ft. Consistency is moderate, so the pumping days come and go, but when the right swell direction and size line up you get those long, speeding rights.
Wind and Tide
Look for north offshore wind. This is a low-tide spot that breaks best around low tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is an expert-only wave. The inside reef is sketchy and getting caught inside is no fun, so it deters all but experienced surfers, who paddle out from a jump-off spot to the southwest. Expect a very busy lineup with a local pecking order when it's pumping.
Access
There's a car park with free parking.
