Sunderland is a surf spot located in the Northeast, offering a bit of fun for surfers looking to catch some waves. It’s not the most famous spot in the region but can be a nice place to spend the day. The main area is around Roker Beach, which features a long, curved breakwater that creates some interesting surf options. Access is easy, with parking available at the Harbour View car park on Marine Walk.
The surf here can be pretty decent, especially for intermediate surfers. It works best with swells coming from the Northeast, East, or Southeast. You can find waves ranging from about 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 meters), with some fun beach breaks and a jetty that offers both right and left waves. When the size is right, you’ll get peaky waves that can be quite enjoyable. The wind coming from the west is ideal, and the spot works across all tide levels, but mid tides are often the best. Be mindful that as the swell gets bigger, conditions can get a bit tricky with wedgy and rippy sections.
You can ride a variety of boards here, including shortboards, fish, funboards, longboards, and even bodyboards. In terms of seasons, the best time to surf the right is between September and November, while the peak is better from December to February. It generally stays pretty quiet in terms of crowds, making for a relaxed surf session.