Overview
Pennington Bay is a sandy beach break on Kangaroo Island, set on a rugged, pristine stretch of coast reached by ferry. Waves peel both left and right over sand, and the island's coastline hides countless turn-offs to deserted spots for anyone up for a bit of exploring.
When It Works
The bay draws swell from south through southwest, with a south (S) swell the best match. Its shallow banks come alive on a medium swell and stay rideable across a wide range, working from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft. Consistency is a strong point here, so there's usually something to ride when the swell is in.
Wind and Tide
Look for a north (N) offshore wind to clean things up, with a workable wind window running from northwest through northeast. The beach handles low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is a friendly spot for beginners, with plenty of room to find your feet. Expect a moderately busy lineup when it's working, and keep an eye out for dark shapes in the water.
Access
There's a car park with free parking, plus camping if you want to stay over. Getting here means taking the ferry across to Kangaroo Island. If you're after more shelter from the west, the beachies at nearby Vivonne Bay offer better wind protection.
