Cayton Bay - Bunkers is a popular surf spot located in a horseshoe-shaped bay that attracts both local and traveling surfers. It's fairly accessible with a large surf shop car park sitting cliff-top above the breaks, making it convenient for surfers heading to the water. Be aware that the beach can get cut off at high tide, so timing your sessions is important. The environment around the area is okay, but the cliffs are prone to landslips.
The surf here can be quite fun, with fast, hollow beach breaks that work best from mid to just before high tide. The waves can range from around 0.6 meters to 2.1 meters (2ft to 7ft) and typically break both left and right over a mix of sand and rocky bottom. It’s important to note that at low tide, a fringing reef can cut off the swell, so high tide is generally the best time to hit the water. The optimal swell direction is north, but it will also handle southeast swells. When conditions align, Bunkers can serve up excellent waves, but it’s more suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers, especially when the crowds get larger.
As for the crowd, you'll find a large local crew here, but the vibe is largely tolerant. The paddle out can be a bit tricky when the surf is big due to a fierce sweep over the shallow sandbars. The best time to surf at Cayton Bay - Bunkers is generally during the autumn months, specifically from September to November, when conditions are more consistent. Bring a variety of boards; shortboards, fish, funboards, longboards, and bodyboards are all appropriate depending on the day's conditions.