Richardsons Reviews and Ratings
(Big Island, USA)
- Forecast
- Maps
- Live
- Weather State
- Spot Information
Visitor reviews of Richardsons surf break
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Two surf spots the bigger channel to the east has waves most of the year. Flat in late summer.N or NE best.Closes out at 5-8 ft, but the inside left can be ridden almost any size or condition, 1-3 ft. The bay to the west is the real wave. NW,N best 2-4 juicy Rights going into a close out section then you go left on the semi hollow inside.Gets too big fast and can be dangerous due to shallow reef and rocks.5-8 + shoot the point all the way to the bathrooms. Good luck”
Mark from UNITED STATES - 02 Dec 2020
Richardsons Ratings
Overall: 2.0. Based on 9 votes and 2 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 4.1(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: 3.4(1: Richardsons is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 3.2(1: Richardsons is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Big Island. 5: the best break in Big Island). |
Difficulty Level: 3.0(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 4.0(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Richardsons can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 3.0(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Richardsons, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 3.1(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Richardsons are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 4.2(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.2(1: Often too crowded. 5: Richardsons is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 4.6(1: Getting to Richardsons 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: 4.3(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: 3.6(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Richardsons for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 2.7(1: Camping at Richardsons is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 4.3(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Richardsons is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 3.2(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 3.1(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Richardsons, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 3.7(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Richardsons where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“I used to love Richardson's Beach and snorkeling there, but now there are so many people that leave all kinds of crap on the beach...usually tourists. Also, what is all the sewage looking stuff floating around. I've seen faeces out there and just wonder how long the clean up is going to take.
Mahalo, jendfly”
jendfly from UNITED STATES - 17 Dec 2013
Nearest