Overview
Shipwreck is an easy beachbreak tucked into a beautiful bay ringed by wind-cutting cliffs, named for the rotting American Star wreck sitting on the sand. Peaks break both left and right over sand, and there are more of them either side of the wreck.
When It Works
The bay picks up any summer pulse and comes into its own when the north coast has gone flat, so it earns its place as a warm-weather backup. It draws swell from northeast through east-southeast to south (NE-ESE-S), with northeast swell the best match. Shipwreck works from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft: on the smaller days you get a choice of broken-up peaks, while anything much over 6 ft turns rippy and messy.
Wind and Tide
Look for east offshore wind to clean things up. It breaks across low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
Shipwreck suits intermediate surfers. There can be a bit of localism and the occasional hassle, but the lineup is usually quiet, and the spread of peaks either side of the wreck gives you room to find your own.
Access
From July through September the bay fills with local campers, and camping is allowed with permission. Finding it is the hard part: head south of Pajara and ask for directions in town, then follow the long rocky track along the riverbed, bearing left up the hill until the wreck comes into view. Leave the car at the end of the track, as only 4WD vehicles can carry on further down the bay. Parking is free, both roadside and by the track.
