Napier – The Reef Reviews and Ratings
(Hawkes Bay, New Zealand)
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Visitor reviews of Napier - The Reef surf break
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“The reef is a wicked wave when conditions are right, great for learner surfers, an easy paddle out with a wave breaking in the same spot. Just down the road is a beach break: West shore, as any beach break you'll be paddling hard. Go to the north end of this beach an you'll find a better consistent peak. A favorite of ours are the river mouths of Napier , power waves with the right tide. Swell size is often not an issue as a small swell on the coast can still bring it on. I will say ,the most unbelievable wave in Napier has to be the Napier marine parade, a massive huge powerful wave that can get to a solid 15 foot and bigger, nasty screaming thick white wash power. If you get chance to ride these brave man waves in the perfect conditions you will feel like a king. Get out the back if you dare and watch Mother Nature peel big nasty thick steep walls. You'll scream for your mommy to come and save you. That's all from me. Good luck here in the ba. Oh yeah, Stingray Bay is wicked, and Cray Bay. I'll keep the others a secret lol unless your in the Bay and see us. Cher bros”
Sharky from NEW ZEALAND - 08 Mar 2015
Napier - The Reef Ratings
Overall: 3.0. Based on 5 votes and 1 review. Vote
Quality on a good day: 4.0(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: 2.6(1: Napier - The Reef is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 3.5(1: Napier - The Reef is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Hawkes Bay. 5: the best break in Hawkes Bay). |
Difficulty Level: 2.4(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: Napier - The Reef can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 3.5(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Napier - The Reef, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 3.8(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Napier - The Reef are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 3.8(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.4(1: Often too crowded. 5: Napier - The Reef is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 5.0(1: Getting to Napier - The 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: 4.2(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 4.5(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 4.5(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Napier - The Reef for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 4.8(1: Camping at Napier - The Reef is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 4.5(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Napier - The Reef 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: 4.5(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Napier - The Reef, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 4.5(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Napier - The Reef where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
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