Forster is a well-known surf spot located on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Australia. It offers a variety of waves and can cater to different surfing styles, though it tends to be a bit inconsistent. The area is popular among local surfers and, at times, can get crowded, especially on good days. The surroundings are quite pleasant, making it a nice place to hang out even if the surf isn't firing.
The main surf options at Forster are two right-handers: Hayden Reef and Pebbly Beach. Hayden Reef needs solid Northeast swell to get going, and when it does, it breaks over an uneven reef. It’s best suited for expert surfers due to the heavy suck-out at the take-off. The waves here are decent when conditions align, but the spot can get a bit crowded with surfers looking to catch those rare good days. Pebbly Beach, which is just around the corner, also works well with a similar swell direction and provides another right that runs along the rocks. Both spots can handle swell sizes starting from around 1 ft (0.3 m) and are best enjoyed with winds coming from the south. The waves can be fun at low, mid, and high tide, but you might need to time your sessions right to maximize your chances.
While Hayden Reef is known for its more challenging conditions, both spots can offer a good surf experience if you know when to go. Keep in mind that the swell direction should ideally be from the Northeast for the best results, with the occasional sessions also working when the swell comes from the south. Make sure you’re comfortable with expert-level surfing, as these breaks require solid skills to handle the heavier conditions. Overall, Forster provides a good range of surfing options for those who are up for the challenge.