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.
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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
Access: Walk from Gracetown boat ramp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Lefthanders?
Lefthanders is a reef break in Gracetown, Australia, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Lefthanders?
Lefthanders picks up swell from the SSW round to the W, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. It starts working at around 1m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 1.9 to 2.5m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Lefthanders?
An E wind is dead offshore at Lefthanders, and anything from the NE round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 5am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Lefthanders?
Lefthanders isn't especially fussy about tide and generally works through the cycle, so swell and wind matter more here. Big tides can still change how it breaks, so it's worth checking before you paddle out.
When is the best time of year to surf Lefthanders?
The most reliable run of swell at Lefthanders comes Apr to Sep. There's a second window in Oct to Mar too. Winter months best. SW groundswell essential. Summer swells smaller but rideable.
How cold is the water at Lefthanders?
The water at Lefthanders averages around 18°C, so you'll want a 3/2mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Lefthanders good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 6/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Great White shark territory. Sharp reef. Surf with others.
How do I get to Lefthanders?
The nearest airport on our list is PER, then it's roughly a 3-hour drive. Walk from Gracetown boat ramp.
What other surf spots are near Lefthanders?
The closest breaks we track are South Point (1.2 km), Cow Bombie (1.8 km) and The Guillotine (5.3 km), handy when Lefthanders isn't working. We track 4 spots around Gracetown in total.
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 recommended
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