Pittwater Surf Scene

Surfing Pittwater...Sydney's Wave Wonderland

G'day, shredders!

Here we are again on Pittwater Properties, diving into another watery adventure on Sydney's Northern Beaches. If the paddleboarding blog had you floating on calm bays, this one's all about chasing those curling beauties that make your heart race faster than a roo on Red Bull. (or coke)

Surfing in Pittwater? Mate, while the inlet itself is more chill than a koala's nap, the ocean-side beaches hugging this paradise are where the real action happens. Think golden sands, pumping swells, and that salty spray that turns weekend warriors into legends. As a local who's eaten more sand than I'd like to admit (usually after a wipeout that'd make a seagull laugh), I can vouch that Pittwater's proximity to epic breaks makes it the ultimate base for surfers.

We're talking less than a stone's throw from the CBD, but with waves that rival the best Down Under, we'll tackle if surfing's a breeze for newbies, where to score a board without selling a kidney, the top beaches for hanging ten (with a deep dive on why Mona Vale's a rare gem), average prices to keep your wallet afloat, and heaps of quirky facts, famous faces, and yarns from the lineup. All zeroed in on our Pittwater patch – no wandering south to Bondi.

So, wax up, leash on, and let's paddle out!

Is Surfing Easy? Yeah, Nah, Yeah!

Alright, the big question: Is surfing easy in Pittwater's neck of the woods? Well, yeah nah yeah – it's as easy as falling off a log, but that log's moving at 20km/h with sharks potentially lurking (kidding, mostly). Surfing's that addictive mix of balance, timing, and sheer bloody-mindedness; you paddle like mad, pop up on a fibreglass plank, and ride Mother Nature's rollercoaster.

The Northern Beaches around Pittwater are gold for beginners because of the variety – gentle beach breaks for learning without getting barrelled into next week. Most grommets stand up in their first lesson, but expect a few faceplants. Funny yarn: My debut was at Avalon – thought I was Kelly Slater until the wave spat me out like bad tucker. Laughed, paddled back, and nailed it next go. That's the spirit; falling's free tuition. If you're fit, it's quicker; if not, it's a killer workout for arms, core, and ego. Kids to grannies do it here – even pooches on tandem boards!

Pro tip: Pick calm days under 1m swell, and hit spots like the southern end of Palm Beach for forgiving waves. Winter's crisp, summer's crowded, but Pittwater's sheltered access means you can drive from your waterfront pad to the beach in minutes. Easy? With lessons from locals like Manly Surf School, absolutely. Give it a burl!

Where to Buy or Rent a Surfboard:...Gear Up Without the Hassle

No stick? No stress! Pittwater's surrounded by spots to rent or buy boards that'll have you in the lineup quicker than you can say "cowabunga." For rentals, Aloha Surf Manly in nearby Manly is a cracker, with hires from $20/hour including soft-tops for newbies. They're right on Pittwater Road vibes, easy launch. Dripping Wet Surf Shop in Manly offers daily rentals and even premium Firewire demos via their Fleets program.

Long Reef Surf Co in Collaroy has a massive fleet – think $30 for a couple hours, wetsuits included. Beach Without Sand in Avalon is family-run, perfect for Pittwater locals with easy pickups. Wicks Surf in Collaroy does hires too, with advice from salty pros.

For buying, Haydenshapes in Mona Vale is iconic – custom shapes from local legend Hayden Cox. Joistik Surfboards in Freshwater crafts beauties for all levels. Vampirate in Mona Vale offers edgy designs, or hit The Surfboard Warehouse online with local roots. I once rented from Dripping Wet on a whim and scored a glassy session – best arvo ever. Rentals are cheap to test waters; buying local supports the Pittwater crew!

Prime Surfing Spots... Where to Shred Like a Local

Pittwater's beaches are a surfer's smorgasbord – from mellow rollers to punchy peaks. Top of the list: Palm Beach, the northern jewel with long rights peeling off Barrenjoey Headland, great for longboarders and intermediates. Whale Beach next door is secluded, with powerful beach breaks when the swell's up – less crowded, more stoke. Avalon Beach offers consistent waves, perfect for all levels with its sandy bottom and rips to watch. Bilgola Beach is a hidden gem, tucked between cliffs – punchy when east swells hit, but check tides. Newport Beach has The Peak, a reef break for pros, and beachies for fun. Bungan Beach is raw and uncrowded, ideal for escaping the masses. Warriewood Beach delivers solid surf with fewer heads. But let's zoom in on Mona Vale Beach – oh boy, this one's rare and special. Why? It's got uncrowded beach breaks, a sheltered reef for those hollow rides, and a unique rock platform that creates magic when conditions align. The one-km stretch means room to move, plus the historic surf club (since 1922) adds that old-school vibe. Rare because it fires best on specific swells – not every day, but when it does, it's world-class, powerful waves without the zoo. I love paddling out early; glassy peaks, just you and the dolphins. Avoid weekends if you're crowd-shy; apps like Surfline for forecasts. Pittwater's your launchpad – surf, then cruise back for a barbie.

Average Price for a Surfboard... Don't Break the Bank

Ready to own your wave-rider? Average prices in Oz sit around $500-$1500 for a solid stick, varying by type and brand. Soft-tops for beginners start at $300-$600, like those at The Surfboard Warehouse. Performance shortboards run $600-$1200, with Haydenshapes models around $800. Longboards? $800-$2000 for customs. In 2025, prices are steady, but hunt sales – Sanbah often slashes. Add $100 for fins, leash, wax. Used boards on Gumtree go $200-600, but check for dings. I snagged mine for $700 second-hand – endless Pittwater sessions. Tip: Groms go soft, shredders epoxy for speed.

Interesting Bits... Facts, Yarns, and Pittwater Surf Secrets

Pittwater's surf scene is packed with nuggets that'll make you the lineup oracle. Fact: The Northern Beaches are a surfing mecca with 22 breaks, from reefs to beachies. Famous surfers? Laura Enever, big-wave queen and Pittwater Woman of the Year, hails from nearby Narrabeen – holds records for massive barrels. Tom Carroll, two-time world champ, grew up in Newport, charging pipes worldwide. Simon Anderson from Brookvale invented the thruster fin setup in 1980 – game-changer! Early pioneers like Alrema Becke, "Queen of Palm Beach," ripped in the 1930s. Holly Wawn's carving her path too. Brands? Haydenshapes from Mona Vale, founded by Hayden Cox, shapes for pros like Craig Anderson. Joistik in Freshwater, NCHE Surf from the area – local innovation. Yarn: Back in the day, John Ralston brought the first board to Palm Beach – now it's a lifestyle. Mona Vale's special 'cause of its history – SLSC since 1922, first prez an Olympic swimmer. Rare waves there need perfect swells for that sheltered reef to pump – uncrowded bliss when it happens. Wildlife? Dolphins surf with you, sea eagles overhead. Events like the Avalon Malibu Classic keep the vibe alive. Surfing exploded here post-WWII, thanks to Yanks and boards. My fave: Dawn patrol at Whale, sun rising over the escarpment – magic. Or try foil surfing for a twist. Corporate surf days? Aloha does 'em – wipeouts build teams! Eco note: Respect the beaches; they're in Ku-ring-gai territory with ancient sites. Future? More women's comps, sustainable boards. One more tale: Mate got barrelled at Mona Vale on a rare day – emerged yelling like he'd won lotto. Pittwater's surf is therapy – burns calories, boosts endorphins. Join clubs like Mona Vale SLSC for community. From early surfers like Snowy McAlister to today's pros, it's legendary. Quirky: Some spots have penguin sightings! Night surfs with lights – eerie fun. Pittwater's tides affect entries; learn 'em. Birdwatchers: Ospreys diving while you wait for sets. Kids' programs build future rippers. Thrill-seekers: Big swells at The Peak. It's variety – one day mellow, next epic. I've seen sunsets that'll stop ya, waves with mates. Not just sport; it's soul.

Pittwater's surf crew is welcoming; share waves, yarn in the carpark. Health wins: 500 calories/hour, balance boost, stress buster. Enviro tip: Avoid plastics; clean beaches. Tomorrow? Electric foils, more inclusivity. If house-hunting, waterfront with board rack – sorted! Another yarn: Paddled out at Bilgola, mob of dolphins joined – Aussie magic. Tides 1-2m add fun. Over 200 birds, from kingfishers to eagles. Surf fishing? Cast from the nose. Family sessions at Avalon. Pittwater's essence: Wild yet accessible. Whether renting for a sesh or buying for life, it's life-affirming. Fair dinkum.

Wrapping up, Pittwater's surfing is pure gold.

Easy? With practice.

Spots? Epic.

Gear? Sorted.

Interesting? Buckets!

Check Pittwater Properties for that beachside digs. See ya in the lineup, legends – go get pitted!