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6+, Schnappers Point

12:00 pm 20 Jan 2010

Looking along Farewell spit

3:19 pm 27 Nov 2010



Surf Report Feed

Delaware Bay Reviews and Ratings

(New-Zealand – Nelson – Tasman Bay)

Visitor reviews of Delaware Bay surf break

  • March 06, 2010
    Rob Davies from New Zealand

    Delaware Bay is best known to surfers for the excellent break at the river-mouth/gravel bar at the West end of the big beach.

    The rest of the bay is just an ordinary beach-break. It can be a bit bigger than the bar and is much more suitable for beginners, but apart from that I can't figure why you walk all this way and surf the beach. It's not a bad wave, quite peaky; it's just not as good as the bar. I suppose it could offer a few rights after a session of only going left at the rivermouth.

  • Delaware Bay Ratings

    Based on 2 votes. Vote

    Quality on a good day: 2.5

    (1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class).

    Consistency of surf: 2.0

    (1: Delaware Bay is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot).

    Regional rating: 2.0

    (1: Delaware Bay is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in New-Zealand - Nelson - Tasman Bay. 5: the best break in New-Zealand - Nelson - Tasman Bay).

    Difficulty level: 2.5

    (1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only).

    Onshore wind: 1.0

    (1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Delaware Bay can offer better rides with a light wind behind them).

    Other options: 2.0

    (1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Delaware Bay, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures).

    Wind and kite surfing: 1.0

    (1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Delaware Bay are often excellent).

    Water quality: 4.0

    (1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution).

    Crowds: 4.5

    (1: Often too crowded. 5: Delaware Bay is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers).

    Access: 2.5

    (1: Getting to Delaware Bay requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break).

    Scenery: 4.0

    (1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting).

    Local attitude: 5.0

    (1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly).

    Accommodation: 5.0

    (1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Delaware Bay for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels).

    Camping: 2.0

    (1: Camping at Delaware Bay is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe).

    Entertainment: 3.0

    (1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Delaware Bay is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus).

    Equipment and repairs: 1.0

    (1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too).

    Eating: 5.0

    (1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Delaware Bay, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants).

    Drinking: 1.0

    (1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Delaware Bay where you can stay or park a camper van overnight).

    Based on 2 votes. Vote