Lefthanders
Lefthanders is a quality reef break near Gracetown that offers one of the Margaret River region's best left-hand waves. The wave breaks along a rock shelf, producing long, workable walls with barrel sections when the swell is solid. While less famous than the Box or North Point, Lefthanders delivers a more user-friendly experience for competent surfers. The area is known for Great White shark activity, so most surfers use personal deterrents and surf in groups. When SW swells pulse through, this wave turns on with power and consistency.
Lefthanders surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 270°
- Size range
- 1m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
18°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
4/10
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 11) — expect extra crowds
Access: Walk from Gracetown boat ramp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Lefthanders?
The Lefthanders profile does not specify a preferred tide stage. That does not mean tide has no effect: check local conditions alongside swell and wind.
What wind direction is offshore at Lefthanders?
The Lefthanders profile uses wind from E (90°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 45° to 135°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Lefthanders?
The Lefthanders scoring profile favors swell from SW (200° to 270°), a swell-height range of 1m to 3m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Lefthanders?
The main season at Lefthanders is Apr-Sep. A secondary window runs Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec. Winter months best. SW groundswell essential. Summer swells smaller but rideable.
How do I get to Lefthanders?
The spot profile lists PER as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 185 minutes. Walk from Gracetown boat ramp.
What kind of wave is Lefthanders?
Lefthanders is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
Winter months best. SW groundswell essential. Summer swells smaller but rideable.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
South Point
🌿 Gracetown left • Beginner friendly • Works in onshore
Cow Bombie
🏔️ Australia's biggest wave • 2km offshore • Margaret River power
The Guillotine
🔪 Gracetown reef • Very consistent • Uncrowded
The Box
⚠️ Australia's heaviest slab • Square barrels of doom • Helmets mandatory
Margaret River
🦈 Indian Ocean power • Multiple world-class breaks • Bring your shark shields
Surfers Point
🍷 Margaret River's left • Wine country waves • Less crowds than Margs