(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Good beach, just be careful of the strong rips on the sides, one on the right by the clocktower is particularly bad when at high tide and hosting big swells.”
Ross from NEW ZEALAND - 25 Jan 2017
Scarborough Ratings
Overall: 2.0. Based on 24 votes and 2 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 3.9(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: 2.7(1: Scarborough is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 3.2(1: Scarborough is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Canterbury. 5: the best break in Canterbury). |
Difficulty Level: 2.7(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 2.6(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Scarborough can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 3.5(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Scarborough, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 1.8(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Scarborough are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 3.1(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 2.7(1: Often too crowded. 5: Scarborough is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 4.9(1: Getting to Scarborough 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: 4.3(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 4.1(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Scarborough for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 2.8(1: Camping at Scarborough 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: Scarborough is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 3.8(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 4.7(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Scarborough, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 4.7(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Scarborough where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“A great spot for learners and kids very safe, only hazard is there is a rip at each end of beach.”
stephanie from NEW ZEALAND - 29 Dec 2011
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