I know Gerroa is generally windier but it is also more exposed to north east swell?

I was debating the merits of taking tomorrow off work and driving down to Gerroa but I'm not keen for a 2.5 hour drive from the Northern beaches if its going to be flat.

The forecast is for 2-3 foot of north east windswell. Will that refract into Gerroa or Wanda or does it need more east or south in the swell direction?

Is Shoalhaven Heads a decent option?

North East swell sail Wanda. If it's really windy you can also sail Butterbox off Long Reef. I can be really good but needs lots of wind and if you sail from the main car park you might have swim the first few meters unless you have a floaty board.

South to South East Swell sail Gerroa. Even then Gerroa is always a bit of a gamble when it comes to waves.

BTW if there are no waves in Gerroa because the swell is too North East you can always try the area South of Wollongong. Some good breaks around that area.

Have a look at NSW Wavesailing spot guide for more info: nswwavesailing.org/spot-guide/

I reckon its the opposite ..

Wanda was pretty much flat today and a sea of humanity. Gerroa would have been flatter no doubt.
If it's gunna be as windy as yesterday I would recommend Corrimal or Werri for some cross on riding and jumping unless a mystery swell arrives in which case Wanda will be the go.
My view of when to go to Gerroa is always the first day of nor'easter after a southerly and tomorrow ain't it!

Thanks for the replies.

May be I'll give it a miss and keep my powder dry with work for a decent day. The Coastalwatch camera for Shoalhaven Heads looks like there's some ok bump and jump conditions today but it's a long drive for that.

Stehsegler, I made the bad decision to sail long reef on 7 Jan when I should have gone to Wanda (judging by the video somebody posted to SB). It was the first time I have sailed Longey in a north-easter and I have to say I didn't enjoy it much (I reckon Palm Beach is a better Northern Beaches option provided there's enough wind and the swell isn't too big). What a mission to sail upwind to Butter Box, it's like trying to get to the end of a rainbow!

Gerroa was ok today, only small waves but plenty of wind which kept it fun. Not sure what it'll bring tomorrow but I'm living in hope.....Might head south for a look.

GoPro grabs from today.....

^^^ Nice. Even without waves it beats the crap out of working.

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Gonebush said..
Stehsegler, I made the bad decision to sail long reef on 7 Jan when I should have gone to Wanda (judging by the video somebody posted to SB). It was the first time I have sailed Longey in a north-easter and I have to say I didn't enjoy it much (I reckon Palm Beach is a better Northern Beaches option provided there's enough wind and the swell isn't too big). What a mission to sail upwind to Butter Box, it's like trying to get to the end of a rainbow!

I sailed Butter Box last summer in a 25 knt NEer. Mainly because I only had 90 minutes and not enough time to drive down to Wanda.It was sketchy on the inside and I ended up swimming out past the break. Then gusty for about 100 metres but after that it was pretty easy sailing. The wind actually get's "bend" around the headland a bit. I think you should be able to go upwind in 2 maximum 3 tacks. No more than 15 minutes of sailing.

Once you get out it's pretty much a case of pick your wave. Hardly anyone ever goes out there. When there is enough surf it's usually good for surfing at the beach as well.

The session I had was easily one of the best I've had last season. Solid 25 knts and waves in the logo high range. It's almost a reverse version of Makaha. And best of all no one else out so I could pick and choose the waves.That said nothing beats a good NEer with a big southerly swell down at Gerroa. I actually think it's better than most WA spots because you have sandy bottom so no need to worry about loosing fins on sharp reefs.

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r2908 said..

I reckon its the opposite ..

Really? In the past 15 years I have never seen a NEer swell get into Gerroa unless it was a monster swell.

I think when you start comparing locations it gets a bit silly. There is general agreement that Gerroa cranks in a NE or ENE.
Saying that Gerroa can be tricky if too NNE, light on the inside, strong offshore. Wollongong and south of that can get more
swell, more manageable wind and can be better early & later in NE season.

Gerroa won't get much swell in unless S/SE, sometimes 'mystery' swell.

Wanda is pretty open to NE wind and will be at least 5-8 knots more than Longie. Wanda can get quite flat although with south
swell it can get big & really straight. Long Reef will usually get 3+ days NE over 20 K & can get some quality waves although
these are sometimes black NE's which are pressure breezes (who cares if it's windy though!) Butterbox needs a really straight
south swell & ideally ENE wind although is good as well if strong NE & windswell as mentioned.

Depends on time how much you have (permission!) With 3 kids, Gerroa is usually veto'd for me.

Gerroa will be lake spec, good for freestyle when it's like that though :) The Gong can be a better option in a NE swell but wind is not as reliable, Gerroa and surrounds will crank with 95% certainty. So options for swell are Werri or the heads. I sail Werri quite a bit (did this Wed) but it's super gusty, windier than Gerroa and slightly cross on. Great spot though if you can deal with the challenging conditions. Seldom do other people sail it.

Thanks - I hadn't really thought about sailing around the Gong or Werri Beach, although I've had a few good surfs at Werri.

The planets have to aligned for me to get a windsurf these days. My wife has scuppered my plans for today anyway (again).