Sumner Bar
Sumner Bar is located at the outlet to the Christchurch Estuary where the Avon and Heathcote Rivers flow out to sea. Sumner Bar is a river mouth break on a sandy beach with both right and left-handers on offer. Needs a good swell to get working and requires the right tide. When it's on, it can get really good with barrels on offer, but requires a lot of paddling or a jet ski. Best left to experienced surfers due to the strong currents.
Optimal Swell Direction:
E
Optimal Wind Direction:
SW
Tide:
Low
Mid
High
Incoming
Wave Type:
River mouth
Wave Size Min:
3.0ft
Wave Size Max:
8.0ft
Wave Shape:
Punchy
Powerful
Hollow
Barrels
Beach Type:
Sand
Skill Level:
Advanced
Danger:
River mouths often have strong rips.
Directions
From Christchurch City, head east on Moorhouse Avenue, which leads onto Ferry Road. Continue on all the way to Sumner. Pass the Christchurch Yacht Club and the old Shag Rock then find a park and get out there. Can be good to check the surf from up the hill.
Nearest Town:
Sumner
Nearest City:
Christchurch
Travel Time from City:
10mins
Road in:
Seal
Walk in:
No
Parking at beach:
Yes