(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Goat Island is rock bottomed reef set up that favours mid to high tide. The main wave is a right, with a shorter left.
As the break faces North it also works in stormy SE conditions while the rest of the East Coast is blown out. Usually crowded, especially in these conditions.”
Moggy from AUSTRALIA - 27 May 2010
Goat Island Reef Ratings
Overall: 3.0. Based on 5 votes and 1 review. Vote
Quality on a good day: 3.0(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: Goat Island Reef is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 2.7(1: Goat Island Reef is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Northland. 5: the best break in Northland). |
Difficulty Level: 2.5(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: Goat Island Reef can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 3.0(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Goat Island Reef, 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 Goat Island Reef are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 3.5(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.2(1: Often too crowded. 5: Goat Island Reef is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 3.8(1: Getting to Goat Island Reef 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: 3.7(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 3.3(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 3.0(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Goat Island Reef for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 3.0(1: Camping at Goat Island Reef is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 3.7(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Goat Island Reef is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 3.0(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 3.0(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Goat Island Reef, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 3.0(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Goat Island Reef where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
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