Overview
Cayton Bay - Bunkers is a fast, hollow beachbreak in a horseshoe-shaped bay, breaking in front of the old WW2 concrete bunkers. It has fun lefts and rights over sand, with bowly sections and a reputation as one of the main draws in the bay.
When It Works
It works year-round, with autumn the standout season and September to November the best period. The spot is usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3 m / 10 ft, from thigh high up to around head-and-a-half.
Swell can come from north through east-northeast to southeast, with north the optimal direction. Regular northeast groundswells can make it excellent.
Wind and Tide
The offshore wind is southwest. A rising tide is better, and high tide is the optimal tide, though the fast beachbreaks work from mid tide to just before high. At low tide, a fringing reef cuts off the swell.
Local Tips
The paddle out is okay when small, but at size it can get horrendous, with a fierce sweep over the shallow sandbar. It draws a busy crowd and has a large local crew, though the vibe is generally tolerant.
Shortboards, fish, funboards, longboards, and bodyboards all suit the spot depending on conditions. It can be surfed by beginners through experts, but the bigger, heavier days demand more experience.
Access
There is paid parking in the large surf shop car park at the top of the cliff, with showers, restrooms, a surf shop, surf school, and camping nearby. Access is by a steep path down to the beach.
Be aware that the beach gets cut off at high tide, and the cliff is prone to landslips.
