Overview
Sand Bank, also known as Cattlewash, is a shifty sand-bottom beachbreak just north of Soup Bowl, on the far side of the rocky outcrop past the Edgewater Inn. It's often sloppy and rarely lines up cleanly, but when the sand sets up right it can throw a dumping right-hand bowl or peel as an A-frame with both lefts and rights.
When It Works
The bank draws swell from north through east-northeast to southeast (N-ENE-SE), with northeast (NE) the best match, and peels both left and right. It's usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft. Consistency is moderate across summer, autumn, and winter: late summer and fall bring tropical cyclone swells, while late fall through early spring is the more reliable stretch. Expect a decent paddle once the waves get some size.
Wind and Tide
Look for southwest (SW) offshore wind. It can work through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
This is an intermediate wave best ridden on a shortboard, and the lineup stays fairly quiet with a reserved feel. Watch for rips and currents running through the bank, and urchins on the bottom.
Access
It's about a 1 km walk north of Soup Bowl, past the Edgewater Inn and across a rocky outcrop and small creek outfall. Free roadside parking is available.
