Overview
Margate Pier is a sand-bottomed beachbreak that peels both left and right alongside the pier. It is fun on a waist- to shoulder-high swell and never gets too heavy, though the pier will hold anything up to head high on a bigger day.
When It Works
The bank draws swell from northeast through east-southeast to south, with northeast (NE) swell the best match. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 4.6 m / 15 ft, and the lineup is consistent, so you can usually find something to ride. Autumn and winter are the prime months. Down at low tide the wave gets hollow, but how it turns on depends on how the sandbar is sitting.
Wind and Tide
Look for northwest (NW) offshore wind to clean it up. The bank works through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call and mid-to-high the pick of the bunch. Keep in mind it gets hollow and shallow at low tide.
Local Tips
This is an approachable, beginner-friendly wave that suits shortboards, fish, and bodyboards. Expect a fairly quiet lineup with a somewhat reserved feel. There is almost always a strong drift, so plan on paddling to hold your spot.
Access
Getting in is easy, with a lifeguard on hand and free roadside parking, though spaces are limited. Stay at least 300 ft from the pier, and watch for the pier itself, the shallow bottom, and rip currents.
