Kirra is a right-hand point that breaks over sand, widely rated as one of the best of its kind anywhere. It is a heavy, barreling wave, with long slabby sections and thick, dredging lips that reward air-drop takeoffs and impossibly deep tubes. Everything here hinges on the sand, and with the ongoing pumping and re-nourishment projects along this stretch, the bank is prone to change. Two groynes shape the point, the first built in the early 1970s and the second in 1980, and both can dredge hard when the sand lines up.
When It Works
Kirra draws swell from northeast through east-southeast to south (NE-ESE-S), with southeast (SE) the best match. Big, solid SE groundswell is what you want, though E and even NE cyclone swells can fire off epic barrels when the sand cooperates. It holds major swells and works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3.7 m / 12 ft. Keep in mind the point tends to break at about a third to a half the size of the prevailing swell, so it needs plenty of energy to switch on. Consistency can be hit and miss, but the windows are worth waiting for.
Wind and Tide
Look for west (W) offshore wind. The point can work through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is an expert-level wave, and the takeoffs and long tube sections leave little room for error. When Kirra wakes up, so does most of Coolangatta's surf population, so expect a very busy lineup, often numbering in the hundreds, with a legendary sweep pushing everyone down the point. Landing a clean one without getting dropped in on is usually the domain of the pros and skilled locals who surf here.
Access
There are restrooms, showers, a lifeguard, a surf school, and a surf shop on hand. For parking, there is a car park with free parking, along with paid, metered, and roadside options.
