Straws Point is a lefthand pointbreak that wraps around a rock reef, with sand mixed into the bottom. It occasionally throws a less-intense right against the grain, and the water runs remarkably clear. Even on bigger days the wave stays fairly soft, but that is part of the appeal: on the right swell you can link sections from way outside all the way to the inside beachbreak, around 300 yards of ride that stays fun no matter how mellow it gets.
When It Works
The break draws swell from east to southeast (E-SE), and a straight east swell is the best match. It works best up to head-high, though a powerful northeast swell that wraps into the area will hold a bit more size. The waves get hollower and line up better along the reef on lower tides. It is usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 3.7 m / 12 ft, and even an overhead swell breaks on the soft side here. The season runs from autumn into winter, roughly September through March, and it is a good-quality point when it lines up.
Wind and Tide
Look for northwest (NW) offshore wind, with a workable wind window from west to north (W-N). It breaks on low and mid tide, and a rising tide is generally the better call. Higher tides tend to make the waves mellower and softer.
Local Tips
Straws suits intermediate and expert surfers, and it takes a range of boards from shortboards and fish to funboards and longboards. Expect a fairly quiet lineup with a friendly atmosphere. If everywhere nearby is too crowded, it is worth a look, and the mellow waves tend to keep the crowd mellow too.
Access
Access is sketchy with limited parking. Watch for the rocks along the reef, sharks, and water cold enough to bring on hypothermia.
