Hartley Reef
A powerful reef near Whitley Bay that holds big North Sea storms.
Hartley Reef is a rock reef north of Whitley Bay, near St Mary's Island. With a big north or north-east swell it gives powerful waves both ways and holds a fair amount of size.
It's a wave for experienced surfers.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | N, NE, E |
| Best wind (offshore) | W, SW, NW |
| Tide | Mid to high |
| Size | 1–4 m |
| Best season | Autumn and winter |
| Crowd | Light |
| Localism | Medium |
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; a step-up on big days. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Hartley Reef
The water is around 7 °C in winter and 14 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
For water below 7 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonA shortboard leash won't hold in waves of several metres.
View on AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
View on AmazonSeal a ding on the spot and keep surfing.
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 surfers, mostly experienced locals. Respect priority.
Surfing style
Reef waves.
Hazards
Rocks and currents.
Map
Shapers near Hartley Reef
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
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Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.