Portballintrae is a surf spot located along the beautiful Northern Irish coastline. It’s known for its beachbreaks, which attract surfers looking for a decent wave. The spot can get pretty busy in the summer, so be prepared for a crowd, especially since there's parking available nearby that fills up quickly. It’s a convenient place to hit the surf, making it accessible for both locals and visitors.

The surf at Portballintrae works best with a north-west swell and can handle sizes starting from 1ft (about 0.3m). Waves break over sand, delivering both left and right waves. When the conditions align, surfers can find powerful, hollow peaks, particularly near the rivermouth, which tends to draw in bodyboarders too. The best time to catch waves here is during low to mid-tide and high tide, with a south-east wind providing the ideal conditions to keep the surf clean. However, if the winds turn onshore, the quality of the waves can dip significantly.

When planning your session, keep in mind that the beach is quite crowded during the peak summer months. It’s a good idea to check the surf reports beforehand to avoid disappointment. The beach itself provides a nice setting for a day out, but be ready for some competition in the water!