Winki Pop and Fairy Bower are two surf spots located on Manly’s southern headland. They are known for being consistent and delivering quality waves. With a setup that caters to righthand pointbreaks, these spots can handle big swells coming from various directions. When a solid swell hits, the surf can be challenging and is best suited for experienced surfers.
The surf here really comes alive with southeast swells, while northeast and south swells can also work, especially when it's around 4ft (1.2 meters). Winki Pop is known for its intense drop as it hits the rock ledge right in front of the cliffs, which makes it an expert-level ride. On the other hand, Fairy Bower starts at the tip of the point and wraps around into the Racetrack section. The waves typically break to the right, and both spots work best at low to mid tide, especially with a southwest wind blowing, which helps to clean up the surf.
Keep in mind that Winki Pop and Fairy Bower can get really crowded, especially when the waves are firing. It’s not unusual to find a rabid crowd ready to pounce if you wipe out. The cliffs above offer a view for spectators, turning your surf session into quite a spectacle. Just be ready to hold your own in the lineup, as things can get pretty hectic.