Overview
Northern Rights is a treacherous angle of reef that breaks right over live coral. It sits up a channel, and reaching it only pays off when the swell is really pumping. The surrounding coves and bays of this reef-protected coast mostly hold little more than straighthanders, so this reef is the standout when everything lines up.
When It Works
Northern Rights draws swell from south through southwest (S-SW), with southwest (SW) the best match. It wants the biggest, straightest SW swell to make the journey up the channel worthwhile. The wave is usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft. Consistency is low, so plan on waiting for the right window rather than counting on it.
Wind and Tide
Look for a north (N) offshore wind, which is a rare setup here and part of why this wave so seldom shows its best. The reef fires best on mid tide, with a rising tide the better call.
Local Tips
This is an expert-only wave, given the demanding reef and the specific conditions it needs. Even when it does come together, the lineup stays fairly quiet.
