Washaway

Washaway (Sydney North, NSW, Australia) is a small, less-talked-about beach break on Sydney’s northern beaches. It tends to be more exposed to swell and wind than sheltered points, so conditions can change quickly. When it’s working, you’ll usually find short, punchy waves with the best shape on a clean swell and light offshore wind.

What to expect

• Wave type: Mostly beach break
• Style: Can be fast and hollow at times, but often more playful than powerful
• Crowd: Generally lighter than the headline Sydney breaks, though local surfers still know it well
• Best conditions:
• Swell: Mid to larger southerly or east-southeast swells, depending on sandbanks
• Wind: Light westerly to southwesterly offshore
• Tide: Often best on mid tide, but this can vary with sand movement

Things to watch

• Sandbars shift often, so the quality can change from week to week.
• Rips and currents can be strong, especially on bigger days.
• It’s generally a more exposed and less forgiving spot than a protected bay.

Good for

• Intermediate surfers looking for a fun beachie
• Surfers who like less crowded sessions
• People comfortable reading changing sandbanks and currents