Cable Bay
Fast, hollow left that peels along a rocky shore onto the sand, with a gnarly take-off over shallow rock; a 'mini Raglan' reef sits nearby. Only N-NW swell gets into Tasman Bay, so it works a few times a year. It works best on a N swell with SSE winds around low tide. Watch for: shallow rocks; Maori land, respect the area.
Cable Bay surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (350°)
- Direction range
- 320° - 20°
- Size range
- 1.3m - 3.2m
- Ideal size
- 2.2m - 2.7m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (150°)
- Offshore range
- 105° - 195°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low
Water temp
14°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
3/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Cable Bay?
The Cable Bay profile favors low tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Cable Bay?
The Cable Bay profile uses wind from SSE (150°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 105° to 195°. 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 Cable Bay?
The Cable Bay scoring profile favors swell from N (320° to 20°), a swell-height range of 1.3m to 3.2m, and a reference period of 12s. 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 Cable Bay?
The main season at Cable Bay is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
How do I get to Cable Bay?
The spot profile lists NSN as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 30 minutes.
What kind of wave is Cable Bay?
Cable Bay is a point break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Getting There
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