The Right is one of the heaviest waves on Earth—a mutant right-hand slab that detonates over a flat rock shelf on Western Australia's remote south coast. When massive Southern Ocean swells march in, the wave throws a thick, square lip that produces cavernous barrels and 40-second hold-downs. Only accessible by boat or jet ski from a remote stretch of coast near Walpole, The Right is strictly for elite big wave surfers and has attracted the world's best hellmen since it was first towed into in the mid-2000s.
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Water temp
16°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
10/10
Crowd level
1/10
Access: Boat or jet ski access only from Boat Harbour Road off South Coast Highway near Walpole.
The Right is a big-wave spot in South Coast WA, Australia, that mostly breaks right.
The Right picks up swell from the S round to the NW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. It starts working at around 3m and keeps going up to about 12m, with the sweet spot around 5.3 to 8m. Period matters too: aim for 18s or longer, as anything under 14s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
A N wind is dead offshore at The Right, and anything from the NW round to the NE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
The Right 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.
The most reliable run of swell at The Right comes May to Aug. There's a second window in Apr and Sep too. Winter Southern Ocean swells. Needs large swell to break.
The water at The Right averages around 16°C, so you'll want a 4/3mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
No. As a big-wave spot, it's strictly for experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 1/10). Extremely dangerous slab. 40+ second hold-downs. Tow-in only. Boat/jet ski access required.
The nearest airport on our list is ALH, then it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive. From there you need a boat to reach the break (we estimate around $500 USD, but confirm with an operator). Boat or jet ski access only from Boat Harbour Road off South Coast Highway near Walpole.
Peak: May-Aug
Secondary: Apr, Sep
Winter Southern Ocean swells. Needs large swell to break.
🌊 When Margs is too small • Big wave testing ground • Serious sharks, serious waves
🌊 Margaret River right • Consistent reef • Works year-round
🦈 Indian Ocean power • Multiple world-class breaks • Bring your shark shields
🍷 Margaret River's left • Wine country waves • Less crowds than Margs
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.