Sunset beach
Edit SpotAbout
Figuring out (much less ripping) this place takes time, and more time. How hard is it? It's hard enough that Kelly Slater has never properly figured it out, and has never won a contest here. Kelly doesn't like the place. It gives him trouble. Consider that, if you will. Looks deceptively easy from the beach, but trust me it isn't. Be patient and respectful. Completely master it at 6'-8' before you think about attempting it at 10'-15'. Let Peter Cole ride alone. Oh, and don't forget about that west peak.
Atmosphere:
It's been said a million times, but don't get complacent. Sunset will kick your ass in a way you've never experienced. The wave is often twice as thick as it is high, and the open ocean energy pours in like a raging elephant. The lineup is vast, complex, and filled with blue water veterans who are never openly gracious to sharing. Hook into a good peak and realize that you have reached the pinnacle of the surfing experience.
Additional Info:
When in doubt, don't go out! Sunset can transform from 3' and sunny in the morning, to a biblical 15'+ in 3 hrs. Sunset proper doesn't start to cap until the swell exceeds 6', and racy boards in the 7'4" - 8'6" range are the norm. Watch out for the infamous cleanup rogue west peaks that loom out of the channel.
respect the locals. don't surf here unless you can duckdive and not bail your board. surf off the peak until you are confident
Location
Loading...Access
Head north on Kam Hwy, pass the old Kammies Market location, Sunset is on your left. Beach parking
Walk | Instant access (<5 min) |
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Public access | Yes |
4x4 required | Unknown |
Boat required | Unknown |
Wave Characteristics
Type | Reef (rocky) |
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Direction | Right |
Bottom | Reef (coral, sharp rocks etc.) |
Power | Hollow, Fast, Powerful, Ledgey |
Frequency | Very consistent (150+ days/year) |
Normal length | Normal (50 to 150m) |
Good day length | Long (150 to 300m) |
Ideal Conditions
Wind direction | SouthEast, East |
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Swell direction | North, NorthWest, West |
Swell size | 3ft-5ft - 16ft and over |
Tide | All tides |
Tide movement | Rising and falling tides |
Crowd
Week | Crowded |
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Weekend | Crowded |
Dangers
Rips / undertow, Rocks, Localism, Sharks
Videos
None
Nearby spots
0.29 miles away
Direction: | Right |
Bottom: | Reef (coral, sharp rocks etc.) |
Frequency: | Very consistent (150+ days/year) |
0.77 miles away
Direction: | Right and left |
Bottom: | Reef (coral, sharp rocks etc.) with sand |
Frequency: | Don't know |
0.87 miles away
Direction: | Left |
Bottom: | Reef (coral, sharp rocks etc.) |
Frequency: | Regular (100 days/year) |