Overview
Sunderland sits on the Northeast England coast, north of the mouth of the Wear. It isn't one of the region's classic breaks, but it's a fun spot when it's on. A long, curved breakwater at Roker Beach shapes the waves: a right wedges off the northern side of the wall in small, clean swells, while inside the rivermouth on the other side of the breakwater a peak fires short rights and longer lefts, but only in massive swells. The waves break over sand and earn a below-average but fun, peaky rating. Water quality can be pretty poor, and it can turn nasty after rain.
When It Works
The break draws swell from northeast to southeast (NE-SE) and works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 1.2 m / 4 ft. Autumn and winter are the seasons to target: roughly September to November for the right off the breakwater, and December to February for the rivermouth peak that needs a big swell to break. It can get wedgy and rippy once the size picks up.
Wind and Tide
Look for west (W) offshore wind. It works through all tides, but mid tide is best, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This one suits intermediate surfers and takes just about any board, from shortboards, fish, and funboards to longboards, SUPs, bodyboards, and bodysurfing. The lineup stays pretty quiet and the vibe is chilled, though the takeoff point is small so it can feel a little reserved. Paddling out is fine when it's small.
Access
Park at the Harbour View car park on Marine Walk.
