Pungarehu

edited by chris 02.02.10

Cross-Off Wind Direction: SE
Sailable winds: S-SE
Sailing Level: Average to Experienced Sailors
Tide: All Tides (but best 3hrs either side of high tide)
Tack: Port Tack Jumping and Wave Riding
Bottom Type: Left Hand Reef Break

25 mins south Oakura
The spot is said to have the best windsurfing wave in the world. You can get long down-the-line rides on big smooth walls. This is one of the few hard core spots on the coast and is a great place to see the best at play.

At Pungarehu the down-the-line wave riding in cross offshore winds is fast and furious. The swell walls up regularly, often easily over mast high as this is the most western and exposed point. A good shoulder peels beautifully across a face with a peaky lip or two for aerials. Riding here is as good as it gets, but don't expect much jumping. Getting 15 turns on one wave is not uncommon. This break can handle any size swell.
The launch is over boulders, which quickly toughens your feet up at low tide.

This tends to keep the crowds away and it's rare for more than ten sailors to be out here. Once out there the waves, although monstrous, are clean and easy for anyone who's got the nerve.

At high tide it's all somewhat easier, and certainly not beyond the average wave-sailor's capability. The wind can be quite off shore and gusty on the inside of the break.

edited by chris 02.02.10