Portballintrae

Portballintrae (County Antrim, Northern Ireland) is a small coastal surf spot on the North East / East side of the island of Ireland, close to the Giant’s Causeway. It’s a scenic, exposed beach-and-rocky-coast location that can pick up Atlantic and north/northwest swell, with conditions often best when there’s a solid swell and favorable offshore winds.

Surf character

• Type: Mostly a beach break with nearby rocky features
• Wave quality: Can be fun and punchy when it’s working, but it’s generally more marginal and inconsistent than the big-name Causeway Coast spots
• Best size: Typically works best on a moderate swell; too small and it can be weak, too big and it can get messy and heavy
• Wind: Best with offshore or light winds; strong onshore winds can quickly ruin it

Conditions and hazards

• Tidal influence: Tides can make a big difference, with some sections working better at mid tide
• Currents/rips: Can be strong at times, especially with larger swell
• Rock hazards: The area has rocks and reefy sections, so local knowledge is useful
• Water temperature: Cold year-round; a thick wetsuit is needed most of the time

Atmosphere

• Quiet, scenic, and less crowded than many surf destinations
• Great views of the Antrim coast and easy access to nearby attractions
• Best suited to surfers who are comfortable reading changing coastal conditions