Overview
Grinders is a left-hand reef break sitting just the other side of South Passage, peeling over live coral. Two main take-off spots feed long lefthanders, with fast, hollow sections and the odd barrel when everything lines up.
When It Works
This is a quality wave when a clean southwest swell arrives. Grinders draws swell from south through west-southwest to northwest, and southwest (SW) is the direction that gets the best out of it. The reef is usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft.
Wind and Tide
Look for an east (E) offshore wind. The break can work through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
Grinders is an expert-level wave, so it rewards surfers who are comfortable on a fast, hollow reef. Keep an eye on the channel too, as it can get very rippy depending on the tide stage.
Access
Getting out here takes some effort. It is a 30-minute paddle from Salmon Beach, and with the channel running hard at times it is better to have a boat around.
