Fingal Head
Fingal Head is a unique right-hand reef break that peels over ancient basalt columns—Australia's own Giants Causeway formed 23 million years ago by lava flows from the now-extinct Tweed Volcano. The wave needs specific NE-E swell to wrap around the headland and break properly, making it an inconsistent but rewarding spot when conditions align. The setting is spectacular, with Cook Island sitting offshore and the hexagonal basalt columns visible at low tide. The break has a loyal local crew who know exactly which tides and swells make it fire.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ENE (67°)
- Direction range
- 20° - 123°
- Size range
- 0.5m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.5m
- Height multiplier
- 1.08×
- Ideal period
- 11s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Offshore range
- 190° - 257°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
22°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Fingal Head village. Walk to headland. Giants Causeway basalt formations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Fingal Head?
Fingal Head works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Fingal Head?
Offshore wind at Fingal Head blows from the SW (225°). Anything in the 190° to 257° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Fingal Head?
Fingal Head wants ENE swell (20° to 123°) between 0.5m and 2m, with a period of 11s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Fingal Head?
The main season at Fingal Head is Mar-May. A secondary window runs Feb, Jun. Autumn NE swell season. Needs specific NE swell direction.
How do I get to Fingal Head?
Fly into OOL, then allow about 15 minutes by road. Fingal Head village. Walk to headland. Giants Causeway basalt formations.
What kind of wave is Fingal Head?
Fingal Head is a reef break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-May
Secondary: Feb, Jun
Autumn NE swell season. Needs specific NE swell direction.
Getting There
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