The Surf Window

Hellshire Beach

Saint Catherine, Jamaica

Beach breakIntermediate

Southwest of Kingston, Hellshire is a gritty urban beach where Kingston's working class surfers have been riding waves since the 1960s, a cornerstone of Caribbean surf history.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)
Size–SW 0.8–2m at 8–12s

Wind

N

Light to NE under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Jun–Oct for south Caribbean swells

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand and rock

Shape

Peaky with short powerful walls

Length

30–60m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
  • •Why: Waves are powerful for their size and the rips require experience to navigate

Hazards

  • •Urban beach with water quality concerns
  • •Rocks and debris in the water
  • •Strong rips alongside the groyne

Local Tips

  • •Hellshire is famous for its fried fish, eat before surfing
  • •The surf community here is tight-knit and proud, introduce yourself respectfully
  • •Go on weekday mornings when crowds are manageable

Location

Map showing the location of Hellshire Beach in Saint Catherine, Jamaica

17.8917, -76.9250