Latitude 37 South Longitude 140

Being a seaside village on the South East Coast of Australia, exposed to the Southern Ocean (which extends uninterrupted South to Antarctica), Robe has plenty of Surf for the wave riding enthusiast. Swells generated by low pressure epicentres constantly traversing the Southern ocean (Roaring forties etc,) from West to East, strike the Robe coastline from a variety of directions, from South to South West, and at varying sizes, breaking on mainly sandbar beach breaks on the directly exposed coast at Stoney Rise, in the Little Dip National Park, or pivoting around the headland to roll in onto the 11 kilometres of Long beach, which extends North Wards from the township of Robe.

There are essentially two main pieces of coast at Robe to Surf. In low swell conditions, the beaches South of Robe, which extend as far as you are prepared to walk, or access in a four wheel drive vehicle, have endless possibilities, with numerous coves, beaches, reef and headlands, facing South West, with deep water offshore offering little retardation to the ground swells as they hit the coast. Ideal wind conditions are Easterly, usually associated with the tail end of Summer High pressure systems, but not uncommon in Winter.

Long Beach, north of Robe, is a flat sandy expanse of glorious coast, easily traversed in conventional two wheel drive vehicles in midsummer at low tide. This portion of coast faces West North West, and has rideable surf when the swell size is too big for the Southern beaches. Swells have to traverse a relatively shallow bay (4 fathoms) and have to change direction around the headland of Guichen Bay. Again favourable wind conditions are any Easterly, including a East/South East. In Stormy conditions with Strong Southerly winds and large wind assisted groundswells, the Southern Corner of Long Beach, nearest the Township, affords protected offshore conditions, and with the right tides, some reasonable surf can be had.

Beginners

Long Beach is definitely the best area for first time surfers or novices. The family car can be driven from "The Second Ramp" north to Bosuns Point. The further you travel the larger the swell. This beach is relatively flat, with no undertows, and very few rips in small conditions.

Intermediate

Surfers would be most comfortable at the "Third Ramp " area of Long Beach, which can be accessed via a graded track from the Kingston Road, or along the Beach from the Second Ramp. Gentle Beach Breaks, with peaks offering lefts and rights, amongst the obligatory close outs, can be enjoyed, when there is any swell running.

Experienced

surfers would find Stoney rise, and the Coast adjacent to the Little Dip National Park more challenging. Being mostly Sandbar breaks, these spots will hold up, with offshore winds, to about 2 metres. After that, paddling out can be a problem. Strong rips provide channels and peaks, but require a confident approach from the Surfer. This is not an area for weak swimmers, or inexperienced surfers when there is a swell running. Swells come from deep water and in the right conditions, pitch sledge hammer lips over shallow sandbars, to give memorable tube rides, or forgettable pile driving wipeouts into the sand. The "Back Beaches" are on National Parks, and permits are needed for camping, four wheel drives are required to keep to marked tracks, so as to protect the fragile coastal eco systems, and no pets allowed. Crowds are not a problem, and if you want company in the water, you are best advised to take your own.

Enjoy