Portballintrae
A bay next to the Giant's Causeway, with a short, hollow river-mouth wave.
Portballintrae is a small bay near Bushmills and the Giant's Causeway. It has two waves: one at the river mouth, short and hollow, great for bodyboarding, and one along the beach with longer rides.
It's usually empty.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Rivermouth |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | NW, N, W |
| Best wind (offshore) | S, SE, SW |
| Tide | All tides |
| Size | 0.5–2.5 m |
| Best season | September to April |
| Crowd | Light |
| Localism | Low |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A shortboard or fish. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Portballintrae
The water is around 8 °C in winter and 14 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
For winter water at 8–11 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe classic fish fins: speed in soft waves.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
Few people.
Surfing style
River-mouth wave and beach break.
Hazards
Rocks and currents.
Map
Other spots nearby
Portrush (Antrim)
Below white chalk cliffs, the most powerful peak on Portrush's beach.
Portrush (Antrim)
Portrush's main beach, with barrels by the Arcadia on good days.
Portrush (Antrim)
Portrush's gentlest beach, by the harbour: good for learning.
Portstewart (Londonderry)
About 3 km of National Trust beach, with peaks along the whole strand.
All spots in Northern Ireland →
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.