Fingal Head is a right-hand point that breaks over boulders and sand. It leans on sand to fill the gaps between the boulders, so the bank takes some setting up, but when it comes together you get rolling walls and shoulders on the smaller days, turning hollow once the surf reaches head-high before it maxes out around 10 ft faces. It's a good fit for intermediate surfers.
When It Works
The point draws swell from northeast through southeast, with northeast the best direction, and it seems to prefer a bit of north in an east swell. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3 m / 10 ft and is moderately consistent, so it pays to be ready when the setup lines up.
Wind and Tide
Look for a southwest offshore wind. Fingal Head can work through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
The lineup gets busy when it's on, so expect company on the good days. Offshore sits Cook Island, which has some slab reef on offer, but the long paddle out to it is very sharky.
Access
There's a car park with free parking, along with paid and roadside options nearby. Facilities include restrooms, showers, and a lifeguard.
