Pennington Bay
Pennington Bay is Kangaroo Island's premier surf spot—a powerful beach break that takes the full force of Southern Ocean swells. The remote island location means crowds are virtually non-existent, but so are services. When solid SW groundswells arrive, Pennington produces heavy, punchy waves that rival mainland breaks. The island is famous for its wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and sea lions, and the bushland setting is pristine. Great White sharks patrol these waters, so local knowledge and personal deterrents are recommended.
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Location & Conditions
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Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (210°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 250°
- Size range
- 1m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.4m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.5m
Water temp
16°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Ferry to Kangaroo Island, then drive. Or fly direct.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Mar, Oct
Winter swells from the Southern Ocean. Exposed and powerful.
Getting There
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