Flat rock

Flat Rock (North Coast, NSW, Australia) is a well-known surf spot near Ballina/Lennox Head on the far north coast of New South Wales. It’s a rocky point-and-reef break that can produce fast, hollow right-hand waves when conditions line up.

What it’s like

• Wave type: Mostly a right-hand point/reef break
• Best swell: Works best with south to southeast swell
• Wind: Usually likes offshore westerly to southwesterly winds
• Tide: Can be tide-sensitive; generally better at mid to lower tide depending on swell size
• Wave quality: Can be powerful, long, and barreling, but it’s very exposed and can get crowded when firing

Spot character

Flat Rock is known for having: - Consistent surf in the right swell window - Reef/rock hazards, so it’s more suitable for confident surfers - A setup that can offer long rides and excellent shape - Strong currents and a demanding takeoff at times

Conditions and hazards

• Sharp rocks and reef
• Potentially heavy wipeouts
• Crowds when the swell is good
• Can be dangerous at larger sizes, especially for less experienced surfers

Best for

• Intermediate to advanced surfers
• Surfers who are comfortable in reef breaks
• Those chasing quality right-hand waves on the NSW north coast