Curl Curl is an exposed beach located on the Northern Beaches, known to pick up a decent amount of swell. It's a spot that can handle a variety of conditions, but don’t expect it to be perfect all the time. The beach can get pretty crowded, especially on good days, and it has strong rips that can make things a bit tricky at times. You can check the waves easily from the surrounding areas, and there's a decent amount of parking available in the rabbit warren car park.

The optimal swell direction for Curl Curl is from the Southeast, but it also works with swells coming from the Northeast and South. The beach breaks primarily over sand and features both left and right waves. It can handle swell sizes as small as 1ft (around 0.3 meters), making it suitable for beginners to have a go. The best conditions are usually found with peaky E swells, especially when they’re groomed by West winds during low to mid tides.

If you're a beginner, Curl Curl is a decent spot to practice. Make sure to keep an eye on the tides and wind direction for the best experience. Just be aware of the potential for strong rips and the size of the crowds, especially on popular days. Overall, it's a spot that has its ups and downs, so manage your expectations accordingly.