Steps surf guide

Steps is a surf spot known for its few moods, drawing surfers looking to avoid the crowded waves nearby. It offers a variety of breaks, including the main spot along the reef and some additional options around the area. The scenery is decent, and being up at the car park gives you a good view, but it’s often better when you actually get in the water. Just keep in mind the conditions can really change, so understanding how to approach the shelf is key when it's bigger.

When it comes to surfing at Steps, the optimal swell direction is from the Southwest, but you can also catch waves from the South. It handles swell sizes around 3 ft (approximately 0.9 m) well. The waves break over rock ledges, with right-hand waves being the norm. It’s usually best to hit this spot during mid to high tides to make sure the breaks are on point and safer. If you're intermediate and up for a bit of a challenge, you might enjoy the ride, especially with the preferred Northwest winds.

Further out from the main break, you’ll find Evo's, which can be more challenging and peels across a shallow shelf—this area may even give you the chance for an occasional barrel. On the inside, there's Sparrows, another spot that has the potential to deliver great barrel rides, especially during small to medium Southwest swells with North winds. Overall, having real knowledge of the tides and swell will help maximize your time in the water at Steps.