Surf Mahia
Surf
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.
