(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“The further you go round the point the better. Local groms shred these fast running point breaks. When you share the line up with local legend and shredder Jasper "Jdog" Mclaren you know you have scored. Not worth it unless a large 3m south swell. Be very respectful to the local crew especially the notorious JDOG.”
Jeff allen from NEW ZEALAND - 21 Nov 2021
Eastbourne Ratings
Overall: 2.0. Based on 10 votes and 3 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 3.5(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: 2.2(1: Eastbourne is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 3.0(1: Eastbourne is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Wellington. 5: the best break in Wellington). |
Difficulty Level: 2.0(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 3.0(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Eastbourne can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 3.7(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Eastbourne, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 5.0(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Eastbourne are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 3.3(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.5(1: Often too crowded. 5: Eastbourne is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 4.0(1: Getting to Eastbourne 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: 4.0(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 2.0(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Eastbourne for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 2.3(1: Camping at Eastbourne is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 3.3(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Eastbourne is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 1.7(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 3.3(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Eastbourne, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 3.3(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Eastbourne where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“This is a soft close-out that is best for learners, and is usually well covered by the locals on their longboards who will have got there before you and won't let you get many waves unless you look like you can surf.
A lot of very good surfers grew up here and tend to regard it as their local break as well, and there is a young crew of grommets who can be seen any time there is a swell hanging around where-ever it is good or even average.
The better surfers head to the Wairarapa when the swell gets to be overhead.”
Brian Griffin from NEW ZEALAND - 05 Sep 2010
“Eastbourne provides a series of unlikely left-peeling points that require a huge S or SW swell to work. Look for at least 4m and 12 seconds in Cook Straight. Located well inside Wellington Harbour close to the some of the nicest suburbs in the city, this is one of those novelty spots that the locals enjoy from time to time though usually people who live here head to the coast beyond Wainuiomata for their waves.
Getting a big enough south swell is already rare enough, but having that swell not be accompanied by a force 10 southerly wind is rarer still. Even so, several times each year it does all come together.
If you are in the city and your ferry to South Island has been canceled due to rough weather, Eastbourne could be worth a look because all the other Wellington breaks will be monstrous and onshore anyway. The only drawback is that even though it is just the other side of the harbour you'll need to allow almost an hour to driver there via Petone.
The waves at Eastbourne are fat waves, best surfed on a longboard or in a kayak. The outermost point is biggest and best and long rides are possible.”
Rob Davies from NEW ZEALAND - 06 Mar 2010
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