Map
Lefthanders
Today's Surf Conditions at Lefthanders
Spot Conditions Map
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Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)
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Spot Overview & Description
Lefthanders is a staple of the Margaret River region, a reef setup that punches well above its weight in consistency. When a modest pulse of SW or W swell arrives, this spot transforms into a magnet for local surfers chasing quality. Crowds can stack up, but the waves here rarely disappoint. The break comes alive from around 2ft and builds with authority as the swell rises. It peels over an uneven reef, spitting out left-handers with genuine barrel sections that demand respect. Optimal conditions call for an east wind and a mid-to-high tide window. Once the swell hits overhead, the takeoff turns critical, locking the door on all but expert-level surfers. For those willing to explore, a beach break along the walk down offers a roll of the dice—hit or miss, but worth a look. The setting is stunning, yet Lefthanders carries a history that gives some surfers pause. Its isolation means fewer competitors in the lineup, but the waves that break here command full attention and a deep respect for the ocean. This is a spot where skill isn’t optional—it’s survival.
Best Surf Season & Climatology
Best Surf Season (March - May)
Western Australia’s autumn emerges as the prime window for Lefthanders. During these months, the Southern Ocean fires up consistent SW to WSW groundswells with average heights hovering in the 1.9-2.3m range and periods stretching into the 12.5-12.9s zone. Ideal offshore winds from the ENE to ESE quadrant blow most reliably—around 22-29% of the time—creating clean, hollow walls. High-pressure systems stall over the Bight, funneling light land breezes in the mornings before sea breezes kick in. This is when the wave quality peaks: punchy, rippable, and often with that long-period push.
Fair Surf Season (June - August & September - November)
Winter brings the biggest swells of the year—average heights climb to 2.6-2.8m with periods often exceeding 13s. However, the wind regime turns hostile: low-pressure systems parade across the Southern Ocean, dragging strong W to NW onshore winds that ruin the surface. Only 18-22% of the time do we see offshore flow, usually during brief post-frontal clearing. Spring (Sep-Nov) sees a gradual transition: swells remain sizable (2.2-2.6m) with long periods, but wind consistency wavers as synoptic patterns shift. Still, when a high settles in, expect some stellar sessions.
Low Surf Season (December - February)
Summer delivers the smallest and least consistent surf of the year. Swell heights average just 1.8-1.9m with periods dropping below 12s. The dominant SSE to S winds blow side-onshore or onshore for the west-southwest facing beach, keeping ideal offshore windows below 17%. Incoming tropical moisture and sea breezes often add chop. Only the occasional rogue SW groundswell from a Southern Ocean storm can salvage the swell—but overall, this is the time to travel or explore other spots.
Detailed Surf Information for Lefthanders
Detailed Surf Forecast
Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for Lefthanders with tidal graphs, period ranges, and daily forecast text summaries.
Swell & Wind Statistics
Explore historical swell consistency, wave heights, and offshore wind windows month-by-month, compiled from over 40 years of data.
Historical Surf Report
Browse the historical database archives to view past wave reports and understand spot climatology during specific years and months.
