Surf Mahia
Mahia Peninsula is one of the East Coast’s ‘hidden treasures’ with excellent swells unleashing on both sides of the triangular peninsula.
Dinah’s Beach (30 kms from Mahia Beach) surfs well in a light east or southeast swell and is better if the other Mahia breaks are mellow. The spit is closer to Mahia and creates a left-hander along the reef in a northeast swell. Look along the coast towards Tablecape and you will see plenty of break reefs.
Mahanga Beach is relatively sheltered on the northern coastline with excellent beach and reef breaks on all tides, It is suitable for less experienced surfers.
Opoutama Beach is well protected and also excellent for beginners who want to learn on small southerly swells.
Waikokopu Bay and Point Annilation (7kms west of Mahia Beach) are where the big action begins in 2 metre south swells. It can be a long paddle out to the line up, but this right reef break gives a long ride into a small bay. Face toward Opoutama from the point car park and you will spot a break called ‘Tracks’, where the railway line runs with the coastline.
‘Tracks’ is a right hand point break, less dramatic than the point and easier to ride.
Waikokopu is a reef break that really delivers in big southerly swells. ‘Stones’ is an apt description as the pounding waves actually moves boulders around on the seabed in a big swell. The ‘Stones’ holds the ultimate stand up barrels on this coast but the rugged reefs show no mercy to the young and inexperienced.
Blacks Reef (13kms west of Mahia Beach) has the consistent left and right hand reef breaks, which are the best at low tide in a moderate swell.
You can check the Wind Direction and Swell hight by going to this web site and animating the map.
