SURF RAGLAN SURFING
Taranaki The New Zealand Surf Capital
New Zealand Surf Introduction
One of Best surfing spots
in this part of New Zealand, is situated in the quiet town of Raglan
48 kms west of Hamilton.
Idicators is by far the best break in the raglan area and is protected
by the local crew if you want a great surf experience, and can hold
your own in hollow waves then go and mix it up, if not stay clear
of the Indicators point there is no a good display of friendly localism
here, head for the surf breaks south of Raglan, which can also produce
fun waves or just keep going south to Taranaki where there is more
wave variety and less crowded conditions
Manu Bay about 8 kms from Raglan, you can indulge yourself in a
topclass, world-renowned left-hand break, this is a good place to
start and gets you in to the feel of the place. rumour has it that
Manu Bay has the longest, most accessible and consistent left-hand
break in the world this might be the case but it is also now the
most crowded, and there are other longer lefts in Taranaki but that
is another story. Manu Bay was featured in the 1966 cult surfing
movie ‘Endless Summer’.
For more tasty waves head to Whale Bay, 2 kms further west. This
bay has a Maori tradition as a healing place . Today Whale Bay is
a hotspot for surfing, relaxation and beauty, Whale Bay is the access
point to Indicators and you must pay attention here when entering
the water some locals have been killed here so even experience can
pay the ultimate price.
Just 1 km off Whale Bay is a superlative razor-edged left-hand point
break called Indicators, which includes The Valley as its inside
section. This area is very exposed and produces hollow waves, which
barrel down the long boulder point for some 300 metres before entering
The Valley, providing long rides.
While Raglan surf can be consistent the rocky ledges and reefs command
respect and make surfing experience essential - this is not grommet
or learner territory.
Ruapuke about 60 kms from Hamilton, surfed on any tide off the north
headland. This place is worth checking out, if Raglan is to small
. Also Sunset Beach at Port Waikato about 32 km south of Tuakau
enjoyable in big, clean swell conditions.