Tasmania’s Best Wakesurf & Wakeboard
Introduction
Tasmania is an island state situated in the south of Australia and it has a beautiful nature, a colourful past and present. However, what many may not know is that Tasmania is a perfect destination for water sports lovers especially for the wakesurfing and wakeboarding lovers. Thanks to its clean and clear waters, various coastlines, and weather conditions, Tasmania is an ideal place to perform such thrilling activities. In this article, seven wake surf and wakeboard spots in Tasmania will be described, and information about the characteristics of each site and its suitability for water sports will be presented.
1. Shipstern Bluff
Shipstern Bluff, situated in the southeast of Tasmania, Australia, is one of the most famous surfing destinations, famous for the large and rather dangerous waves. Even though it is most widely known as a surfing destination, wake surfing can also be practised here to great effect. The waves at Shipstern Bluff are strong and the height of the waves that is available for the wakesurfing is something that will give the riders the thrill they want.
The place is situated on cliffs and rough terrains, which makes the area very beautiful to practise water activities. However, because of the size of the waves, it is only suitable for experienced wake surfers who should be able to manoeuvre through the waves.
Shipstern Bluff is not just the waves, it is the whole experience of the waves. Access to this place requires passing through world heritage sites and this makes the trip more of a thrilling experience. The waves here are produced thousands of kilometres in the southern ocean, this guarantees that the waves produced are strong and regular.
As for the ideal time to visit Shipstern Bluff, it is in the autumn and winter to catch the biggest swells. This place is not for the weak knee, but if one wants a great and challenging wake surfing experience, then Shipstern Bluff is the best place to be.
2. Clifton Beach
Clifton Beach is one of the most famous surf beaches in Tasmania and it is not far from Hobart. It provides regular left and right-hand waves, which makes it a perfect destination for wake surfing as well as wakeboarding. The beach has received a warm reception with people from all walks of life and from all over the world visiting it.
The steady waves are ideal in that the wake surfers are able to develop their skills as they are always able to perform on consistent waves. Further, it is easily accessible from Hobart and there are many facilities and services that tourists can access hence making it a perfect destination for a one-day tour or even a long vacation.
Clifton Beach is more suitable for learners because there are facilities where learners can hire instructors, learn on how to surf and become conversant with the sport. The beach also boasts of a favourable climate than the other parts of the country making it ideal to visit any time of the year.
The best waves on this coast are in the north because of the protection from Maria Island and the Freycinet Peninsula; however, there are some good waves in Marion Bay, which is just 40 40-minute drive east of Hobart. It does not matter if you are a novice or a pro wakesurfer, Clifton Beach will provide you with a great time.
3. Marion Bay
Marion Bay is a small town on the Southeast coast of Tasmania and hosts the Boneyard, one of the most famous right-hand point breaks in Australia. A good location for wake surfing is this place because of the quality of waves that are formed and their consistency. The bay has many natural attractions such as sandy beaches and vegetation cover around the area making the environment very suitable for water sports. Marion Bay is also not as crowded as other well-known surf points; thus, wake surfing enthusiasts do not have to deal with other riders in the lineup.
The waves at Marion Bay come from the Southern Ocean and this means that the water waves are strong and steady. The best months to visit the place are during the autumn and winter seasons because the swell is at its largest. The bay is also famous for such zones and thus wakesurfers are able to enjoy their ride without much interruption. The road to Marion Bay is quite adventurous because one has to walk through wonderful terrains to get to the place. Marion Bay is one of the best places for those who want to find perfect waves and beautiful nature at the same time.
4. Marrawah
Marrawah, situated northwest of Tasmania, is the hub of surfing activity on the island. It features three main beaches: Ann Bay, which is located near Mawson Bay, and Taypalaka / Green Point. These beaches provide long runs in the westerly swell, and so are suitable for both wakesurfing and wakeboarding. Marrawah is famous for its waves and the lack of crowds which makes it perfect for water sport lovers to practise. The town is quite relaxed and there is a welcoming atmosphere from the people and a sense of unity which makes it a perfect place for tourists.
It is also an important place for tourist attraction as it hosts the West Coast Classic, which is considered the biggest surf event in Tasmania. The waves here are developed from the Southern Ocean which means that they are strong and steady. The best time to visit is during the autumn and winter months as this is when the swells are at their largest. It is quite a long drive to Marrawah and most of the time, the roads are filled with stunning scenery, therefore the trip becomes a little adventurous. If one is looking for good waves and friendly people, then Marrawah is the perfect place to visit.
5. Mouth of the Mersey River, Devonport
Devonport’s Mersey River mouth is a wake surfing spot where surfers can take a point break into the river, sometimes with cargo ships. This place offers a different experience as wake surfers move on the waves produced by the river current and the movement of the boats. The point break produces nicely shaped waves that are ideal for wake surfing and the cargo ships make it interesting. Devonport is also a port city and it provides several facilities and attractions for the tourists to spend their time.
The waves at the mouth of the Mersey River are not as large as the waves in other parts of the island but the waves are still different. The best time to come is during the autumn and winter if one is interested in the big swells. Getting to Devonport is somewhat a bit adventurous as one has to go through some natural terrains to get to the destination. If a person is interested in wakesurfing then the mouth of the Mersey River in Devonport is a perfect location for this activity.
Conclusion
Tasmania can provide numerous spots for wake surfing and wakeboarding, which differ from one another and have various features that can attract riders. From the monstrous waves of Shipstern Bluff to the reliable swell of Clifton Beach and to the stunning calmness of King Island, there is something for every water sports lover. For the professional wakesurfer who wants to be challenged, Tasmania can prove to be just that, and for the beginner wakesurfer who wants a warm welcome and to learn, Tasmania is the place to be.
The island is also characterised by a beautiful natural environment, welcoming inhabitants and great water conditions that make it perfect for wake surfing and wakeboarding. Therefore, grab your equipment, go to Tasmania and get the feel of the waves in one of the most beautiful and adventurous places on earth.
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