(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Stannie is probably the most consistent wave in the Illawarra. It is exposed to most swells and on the right NE swell there is an amazing left hander coming of the rocks at the Northen end of the beach. There is a very heavy shorey that always makes things interesting especially up the north end of the beach. If you happen to turn up at the right time the lagoon at the south end or north end open up and you get a really fun (but short) standing wave.”
just gotta send it from AUSTRALIA - 07 Jul 2019
Stanwell Park Ratings
Overall: 3.0. Based on 7 votes and 2 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 3.3(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: 4.0(1: Stanwell Park is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 3.6(1: Stanwell Park is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Illawarra. 5: the best break in Illawarra). |
Difficulty Level: 2.8(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 2.2(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Stanwell Park can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 3.0(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Stanwell Park, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 3.0(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Stanwell Park are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 4.5(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 2.3(1: Often too crowded. 5: Stanwell Park is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 3.8(1: Getting to Stanwell Park 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: 4.8(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 3.6(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 Stanwell Park for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 2.6(1: Camping at Stanwell Park is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 3.0(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Stanwell Park is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 2.6(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 3.6(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Stanwell Park, 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 Stanwell Park where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“One of the heaviest beach breaks on the coast, Stannie goes off frequently. The northern end on a nor-easterly swell can be all time. It also has the nastiest and rippiest shorey of any of the breaks on this part of the coast. (2 broken boards can attest to this fact and more people have been rescued on this beach than any other in the area). Although very open and vulnerable to wind except westerlies, early mornings usually sees nice conditions and is very rarely too small to surf. (Not a good high tide spot when the swell is small though). Winter sees the swell coming in too straight and although some cover-ups are on offer, most shut down pretty quickly. Can be out of control, but always worth a look.”
Phil Osopher from AUSTRALIA - 02 Mar 2011
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