The Surf Window

St Clair

Otago, New Zealand

Beach breakIntermediate

Dunedin's premier surf beach, St Clair is New Zealand's most passionate southern surf community, an urban beach where Southern Ocean groundswells and a proud local culture have produced some of NZ's finest surfers and one of the country's most colourful surf histories.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)
Size–S 1.5–2.5m at 12–16s

Wind

NW

Light to W under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Mar–Oct

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Multiple peaks, powerful and punchy

Length

60–120m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate to advanced
  • •Why: Consistent, powerful Southern Ocean beach break with cold water

Hazards

  • •Cold water, 10–14°C year-round
  • •Can be localized, St Clair has a proud and protective local culture
  • •Strong rip currents in bigger swells

Local Tips

  • •The Esplanade hot salt water pool at St Clair is extraordinary, the best post-surf facility in New Zealand
  • •The St Clair Hot Shots surf club is one of NZ's oldest, rich history
  • •Dunedin's Victorian architecture and student culture make it one of New Zealand's most interesting cities

Location

Map showing the location of St Clair in Otago, New Zealand

-45.9094, 170.4891