Surfing Waves

Hi, I had planned to try surfing in Manly next month since I have to be there for a conference but just realized that the water/weather might be colder than I can handle in October. When I called the local surf shops, they kept reassuring me that they have mild weather but I generally only surf in places like Florida, Hawaii and Bali so my idea of "warm" needs to be pretty hot. I am thinking it would be a better bet to just go north (Brisbane? Sunshine Coast?) for surfing then go back to Sydney for the conference. Can anyone confirm if the temperature difference would be worth the hassle? I also can't seem to find any guides for north of Brisbane. If you can suggest someone who is available the first week of October, I'd really appreciate it. Thank you!

Sydney in October can have warm water but not quite Florida warmth. North of Sydney it is definitely warmer. Go further north of Brisbane to Noosa but the Sunshine Coast will fill,the bill nicely too. You could also fly to Ballina for Byron Bay area and Gold Coast for Byron and or Gold Coast , all,warm and avid tourist surf destinations.
BTW Manly can have some pretty good days and there is plenty of board and wetsuit hire shops..
Google all that I have mentioned and see what fits, unfortunately all are in the more crowded destinations of surf bucket lists but if you have handled Bali for others then none will trouble you too much.
Enjoy down under thoroughly

Thank you. I did find a few places in Byron Bay and the Gold Coast but nothing north of Brisbane. But, it sounds like you are saying that even a little south of Brisbane will still be much warmer than Sydney, right?

Further north than Noosa there is the Great Barrier Reef that blocks all swell - so there is basically no surf.

October water is actually about the coldest of the year, as water temps are a few months behind air temps. Although this year the water in Sydney has been quite warm - it's mid winter and the water is still over 18C (18.9C today according to the newspaper). But in Oct I expect it will be around 17C or thereabouts. For most people that's wetsuit level. Air temps will be mid 20s or so.

If you head north, to Noosa or Gold Coast etc, then it will be a few degrees warmer, probably closer to 20C water temp. That's not Bali or tropics warm however.

But even Sydney is not uncomfortable with a wetsuit. People in England or even California probably think we are wimps for complaining about 17C.

I'm pretty sure you can rent a wetsuit in Manly or Bondi, or buy a cheap one for less than the airfare to Noosa.

Thank you. Super useful! I admit I am a wimp and cannot do 17 degree water even in a wetsuit so, I've changed plans and made reservations for Noosa. ^^

I just hope I don't have to deal with jellyfish!

Cool- Noosa is fun, although its a bit 'fashionable' particularly along the beach front (Hastings Street). But Noosa point and around to Peregian is full of spots for surfing and walking (if crowded at times) - Little Cove and Tea Tree Bay are worth checking out (note that you need to walk 10-20 min with your board to get to them). Noosa main beach isnt that great, although down the river mouth end there can be some waves. Peregian has a swell magnet beach (also called Sunrise Beach) if you can't find a wave on the Noosa side (you will need to drive to get here). Its possible to do it without a car if you stay close to/on Hastings Street, particularly if you stay at the southern end (closest to the point)

There are a few board hire shops around and I imagine (without having checked) that you can hook up for a 1/2 day or full day surf tour with boards and suits etc provided.

Anyway - have fun. School holidays finish on 10 Oct, so if you are going to Noosa before then book ahead; but after 10 Oct it will be much less crowded

Hi there, thanks for sharing the informative and useful post. I am also planning to go for surfing with my friends and searching for a good swimsuit for the beach and surfing which makes me look beautiful on the beach. Is it good to wear bikinis while surfing? While discussing with my friend, he suggested me to wear swimsuit and bikinis Any suggestions.

tracywhite wrote: searching for a good swimsuit for the beach and surfing which makes me look beautiful on the beach. Is it good to wear bikinis while surfing? While discussing with my friend, he suggested me to wear swimsuit and bikinis Any suggestions.

I imagine a bikini certainly will give you more freedom of movement in your surfing. As far as being beautiful on the beach, I don't think you can go wrong with a bikini. They look great on women surfing as well. However, I think you really have to be careful about managing your time in the sun. Sunburned people on the beach or the lineup look kookish in my opinion, especially fair-skinned people who are all red. Still, if your surfing muse is saying it's a bikini day, then more power to you. Remember though, bikinis can act as brain scrambling devices with some people.