Gnarlies
Steep, hollow left reef-wedge near Dolphin Bay on the White Rock coast; E swell, NW wind. Experts. It works best on an ESE swell with NW winds around high tide. Watch for: wedge, shallow reef.
Gnarlies surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (120°)
- Direction range
- 70° - 190°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 2.7m
- Ideal size
- 1.7m - 2.3m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 13s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (315°)
- Offshore range
- 270° - 0°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- high
Water temp
14°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
9/10
Crowd level
2/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Gnarlies?
The Gnarlies profile favors high tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Gnarlies?
The Gnarlies profile uses wind from NW (315°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 270° to 0°. 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 Gnarlies?
The Gnarlies scoring profile favors swell from ESE (70° to 190°), a swell-height range of 0.9m to 2.7m, and a reference period of 13s. 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 Gnarlies?
The main season at Gnarlies is Jan-Aug.
How do I get to Gnarlies?
The spot profile lists WLG as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 130 minutes.
What kind of wave is Gnarlies?
Gnarlies is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 9/10.
Best Season
Peak: Jan-Aug
Getting There
Nearby Spots
White Rock Point
🥝 Left-hand point • SSE swell magnet • Palliser Bay and Cape Palliser
The Spit (Cape Palliser)
🥝 Lefts and rights • Point • SE swell, Palliser Bay and Cape Palliser
Seconds
🥝 Right-hand point • SE swell magnet • Palliser Bay and Cape Palliser
Shipwrecks (Tora)
🥝 Right-hand reef • ESE swell magnet • Wairarapa east coast
Tora Tora
🥝 Right-hand point • ESE swell magnet • Wairarapa east coast
Tora Pit
🥝 Left-hand reef • ESE swell magnet • Wairarapa east coast