Overview
Runswick Bay is a rarely surfed reef setup on the east side of the bay, where fast, walling righthanders peel over a rock ledge across an inner, middle, and outer reef. There's also a small beachbreak in front of the car park and a sketchy left reef known as the Cobble Dump. It normally only comes into play when the main spots in the area are too big and out of control.
When It Works
The reefs draw swell from north through east-northeast to southeast (N-ENE-SE), with north swell the best match. It works from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 4.6 m / 15 ft, so it needs a decent pulse before the reefs start firing.
Wind and Tide
Look for southwest offshore wind. The reef can work through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This one is for expert surfers, matching the fast, walling righthanders that break here.
Access
There's a car park at the bottom of a steep hill, with paid parking and restrooms. A cafe in the village rounds out the facilities.
