Ratchet
Beach break · QLD-North · Beginner
Ratchet surf today
Forecast for Wednesday 14 October
Beginner : Dark out. No good session in sight tomorrow.
Today's score by level (at the day's best, out of 100)
- Beginner —
- Waves 0.5 m · 6 s period
- Wind NE 8 km/h (gusts 34 km/h)
- Tides: ▽ 03:00 · ▲ 11:00 · ▲ 20:00
About this spot
A hard-to-find secret spot: park by the road and walk down a track along the cliff face. It really pumps on the big swells.
Spot photos
Ratchet in detail
Beginner
Ideal for starting out or longboarding. Mellow waves, little current, surf school usually nearby.
Access & landmarks
Easy beach access, parking usually nearby. Ask locally about seasonal currents.
Safety
Wear an appropriate wetsuit. Scout the currents before you paddle out. Respect the locals and right-of-way. Check weather and tides.
Frequently asked about Ratchet
What tide is best for surfing Ratchet?
At Ratchet, tide isn't a deciding factor: the spot stays surfable across most tide states. Focus on the swell and the wind instead.
Is Ratchet suitable for beginners?
Ratchet is rather accessible to beginners when the waves stay small and the wind is light. Still, check currents, tide and local guidelines before entering.
What wind is ideal for Ratchet?
The ideal wind at Ratchet comes broadly from South-West: it's offshore, which helps shape and hold the waves. A strong onshore wind generally degrades conditions.
What surf spots are near Ratchet?
Around Ratchet, you can also check conditions at Ellis Beach North, Balding Bay, Radical Bay. Compare the scores, wind and swell direction before choosing where to surf.