The Surf Window

Sunset Beach

North Shore, USA

Reef breakExpert

The great, sprawling big-wave arena of the North Shore, a shifting, powerful reef that handles swells from 8 to 25ft, constantly challenging even the world's best with its unpredictable peaks.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalN (0°)
WindowNNW–ENE (330°–60°)
Size3-8ft

Wind

NE

Offshore

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

October–March

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both (rights are generally longer)

Bottom

Deep reef

Shape

Large, powerful walls with heavy bowl sections, not a barrel wave

Length

100–250m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Expert
  • •Why: Unpredictable shifting peaks, strong current, massive hold-downs, and sheer size demand elite ability and fitness.

Hazards

  • •Notorious current, one of the strongest on the North Shore
  • •Shifting peaks that can leave you out of position
  • •Deep hold-downs on big days
  • •Long paddle back to the peak after each wave

Local Tips

  • •Study the current before paddling out, Sunset's current is legendary for sweeping surfers down the beach.
  • •A gun (7'0\"–9'0\") is appropriate depending on size; this is not a shortboard wave on serious days.

Location

Map showing the location of Sunset Beach in North Shore, USA

21.6781, -158.0408