Ruby Bay Reviews and Ratings

“Could Ruby Bay be the mellowest wave in the World? The only place I have ever surfed that provides such soft waves that peel for such big distances in the Kyle of Tongue on the north coast of Scotland.

It's a nice spot, with an good campsite next to the beach. It really needs a big NW swell to work because there is such a small window of exposure into Tasman Bay. Most often, it works the day after a NW gale has generated a big local wind swell.

The wave peels for hundreds of metres over sand and gravel, mostly a very long left but with shorter sections that peel right back to the beach. In theory, it should be possible to ride waves for more than a kilometer, maybe two on one of those rare days every 5 years when the is a big NW cyclone swell. Heading West around the headland in the direction of Motueka it looks as if there are any number of spots that could also work if the swell is big enough.

For longboards, paddle boards and learners who like their surf slow and mellow, this is a good spot but for shortboarders if you see small waves at Ruby Bay and the wind is light, head to Schnappers because it will be much bigger and much more punchy. If Ruby Bay actually looks big enough to justify a short-board, just imagine how much better Cable Bay must be, or even high tide at nearby Rabbit Island.

Mapua is not far away and provides shops, pubs and eateries as well as places to stay if you don't camp right here. Head down to the Wharf area.”

Rob Davies from NEW ZEALAND - 06 Mar 2010