Overview
Headlands is a temperamental righthander that bends just about any swell into some sort of barrel over a crescent slab reef. It is moderately consistent, so the truly epic days are rare, but even an average session here will usually hand out some time in the shade.
When It Works
The reef takes swell from northeast through east-southeast to south (NE-ESE-S), and east swell is the pick. Northeast swell is where the inside bowl really gapes, throwing the hideous square pits that pull bodyboarders out of the woodwork. South swell wraps in far more manageably and tends to thin out that crowd. It works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 3.7 m / 12 ft.
Wind and Tide
Look for southwest offshore wind. The slab can work through low, mid, and high tide, and a rising tide is the better call. Higher water gives an easier roll-in before the wave hits that sudden, sucking bowl section further in; down low, the same section often draws dry.
Local Tips
This one is for expert surfers. The reef is shallow and the bowl comes out of nowhere, so you want to know where you are sitting before you take off. Expect a busy lineup when it turns on.
Access
There is a car park with free parking, plus paid parking and roadside spots nearby.
