Unstad Beach is a beachbreak tucked between two pointbreaks, sitting in their swell shadow so it catches a little less than its neighbours. It breaks over sand and some scattered boulders, and the sandbanks can throw up fun little corners that peel both left and right. The alpine scenery framing the bay is a genuine highlight.
When It Works
The break draws swell from southwest through northwest, with a west swell the best match. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, so there's a decent window to play with once a swell fills in. Wave quality is moderately consistent, giving reliable enough sessions when the setup lines up.
Wind and Tide
Look for southeast offshore wind to clean things up, and the beach tends to handle strong offshores more easily than the pointbreaks on either side. It surfs on low and mid tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is a friendly spot for beginners, and it's home to the local surf school, so it's a natural place to find your feet. Expect a fairly quiet lineup when it's on.
Access
There's a car park with free parking right by the beach. Facilities are well sorted, with restrooms, showers, a surf shop and surf school, plus a surf camp and log cabin campsite for anyone wanting to stay close to the waves.
