Consistent, exposed bay home to some of the best breaks in the area, including the world class Cayton Point. Less crowded than its neighbours, thanks to the steep access hill. Something for everyone and all tides.
** Webcam **: Secret Spot - Pumphouse
Breaks
- Pumphouse: popular left in NE swell in front of victorian pumping station. Sand at low to mid, then reef/boulder adjacent, ideal at mid tide. Breaks onto sea wall during spring highs.
- Bunkers: fast, hollow A frame off sandbar infront of WW2 bunkers towards south end of bay. Ideal at mid-high to high tide, though will stop working during spring highs. Swell cut off by outer reef from low to mid. Sheltered from strong SW offshores by mainland. Shallow, tough paddle out when bigger. Rippy. Access cut off at high. Intermediate+.
- Flintons: A-frame north of Pumphouse that works in an easterly swell. Best low to mid, access tricky once the tide cuts off over the rocks.
- Cayton Point: a gnarly, world class, somewhat inconsistent, left reef point break off the northern headland with a take off zone over shallow stepped ledges. High. Experts only.
Tide: All. Pumphouse low to mid, Bunkers mid-high to high.
Swell: N/NE ideal. E/SE can work, particularly Bunkers. When too big seek shelter at [South Bay)(spot:scarborough-south-bay], or even bigger, Filey.
Wind: S/SW ideal. Some shelter from strong offshores at Bunkers. Try nearby North Bay for shelter from southerly winds.
Hazards: rips, rocks, reef, access. Savage semi permanent rip to north of middle access path, flash rips up and down bay, particularly when bigger. Access cut off at high tide. Quicksand and clay on beach, along with cliff landslides particularly after rain. Rocks and concrete, particularly north of Pumphouse, and sometimes around high tide. Good water quality vs neighbours, but occasional dumping and agricultural run off. Rarely crowded except when pumping.
Parking/access/facilities: paid for parking, toilets and showers in field at top of steep access path to middle of beach. Free, limited, roadside parking 200m further on. Cafe and free toilets next door on (longer, less steep) northerly access path.
Lots to explore in the area - in an E swell, see if you can find Flintons. If it's big, you're skilled and feeling bold, look for The Reef.
Links
Scarborough Surf School - surf shop, hire and school on middle access path. Linked to Secret Spot.
LowBrow Surf - local shaper and ding repair.
Scarborough Boardriders - local surf club.