Surfing Waves

I could potentially be living in Hobart, and going to UTas, for a year starting this upcoming July and obviously I want to take advantage of the surf. Does anybody have any experience with surfing there? What are water temps like? Should I be worried (I am) about sharks? Closest spots to Hobart? Any within reasonable biking distance? Any other helpful tips? Thanks for any help!

You are fortunate! We've had a few discussions on this forum about Tazmania and surfing.

Water temperatures are cold throughout the year: 10.7°C to 13.3°C.

There are more than 25 surf breaks in Hobart area. The beginner's wave, Howrah Beach, is right at the edge of Hobart. The distance to the rest range from close to not so close. But, none are far away. Look for Lauderdale Point, Cremorne Point, Clifton Beach, Goats, The Wedge, The Reef, Tessos, Eaglehawk Neck, Remarkable Caves, Kelpies, Roaring Beach, Nubeena, The Neck, Coal Point, Lighthouse, Cloudy Bay, and Lagoons.

What is your worry about sharks? Are you concerned there will not be any there? Seriously, there are 8 recorded attacks for all of Australia to-date in 2013. No resulting deaths (5 injuries + 3 harassment). With these conditions, enjoy the water without trepidation.

Hello there,
Pretty wild surf in Tasmania and very chilly water

Basically two options - surf near Hobart at South Arm (Clifton beach etc), or the east coast (Eaglehawk neck etc). In theory you could surf the west coast too, but good luck getting there

South Arm is very protected and a little inconsistent, while the east coast is exposed and gets anything from every direction but west. The west coast is just wild.

Sharks - forget it, a non-issue

Welp, I guess it's a good thing I like wearing a wetsuit... Would you say a 4/3 would be suitable year-round? I've got a 3/2 but I doubt that'll help at all. And thanks to both of you! I appreciate it. Also, do either of you, or anyone, know of public transport that has stops at beaches? And is there any localism around those parts?

Hobart is a small city and is split down the middle by the Derwent River most of the breaks are to the east and south east of the city across the bridge, a very,very rare day sees swell on the western shores..

The Uni is at Sandy Bay so all your surf zones are across the estuary. On your side you can drive down the coast and go to Bruny island at the bottom end . That would be a weekend trip.

I don't think public transport is going to do it for you but most universities in Australia have a surf club so there would be your answer complete with local knowledge, as for localism not at all.
Remember too, May June July = August are pretty much the Australian winter and Tasmania has a genuine true winter.

HashSlingingSlasher wrote:Would you say a 4/3 would be suitable year-round?

No.
In winter, most of the guys down there are in 5mm suits (plus boots, gloves and a hood), particularly if you're surfing the south arm beaches because although the ocean might not be that cold, the river estuary is fed by bitterly cold water from the mountains.

A 4/3 will be fine for most of the year, but won't be enough for deep winter.

Hobart's Mt Wellington got to minus 5C last night with snow down to 200m. And its not even winter anymore!

Here's a wetsuit idea that might ease your pocketbook and get more mileage with your present 4/3 suit. When I surf in 10C to 12C water, i wear a rash guard shirt and shorts under my 4/3 suit. I use a very thin hood and thin booties. I don't like gloves and don't use them. I find at about 3.5 hours in this temperature is enough. That's mostly because I can't feel my feet at that point!

Never ask anyone if they have a map of Tasmania

jaffa1949 wrote:Never ask anyone if they have a map of Tasmania

I did that, I actually did that...

Shipsterns is a good Tassie break to dust off the cobwebs...

Wish you well mate, had a few good runs down there in my younger Navy days a lot of good watering holes and friendly as.

Cheers

Radar