Lefthanders

Lefthanders is a staple of the Margaret River region, a reef setup that punches well above its weight in consistency. When a modest pulse of SW or W swell arrives, this spot transforms into a magnet for local surfers chasing quality. Crowds can stack up, but the waves here rarely disappoint. The break comes alive from around 2ft and builds with authority as the swell rises. It peels over an uneven reef, spitting out left-handers with genuine barrel sections that demand respect. Optimal conditions call for an east wind and a mid-to-high tide window. Once the swell hits overhead, the takeoff turns critical, locking the door on all but expert-level surfers. For those willing to explore, a beach break along the walk down offers a roll of the dice—hit or miss, but worth a look. The setting is stunning, yet Lefthanders carries a history that gives some surfers pause. Its isolation means fewer competitors in the lineup, but the waves that break here command full attention and a deep respect for the ocean. This is a spot where skill isn’t optional—it’s survival.

Best Surf Season (April - September)

The year at Lefthanders builds from the autumn equinox into the southern winter as the Southern Ocean storm track intensifies. Average swell heights climb from 6-7ft (2.0m) in April to a powerful 8-9ft (2.6-2.8m) between June and September, while average periods strengthen into the 12.8-13.3s band. During these months, the swell rose locks into the ideal SW-WSW-W direction for this west-southwest facing reef, producing the long, heavy, grinding lefts the wave is famous for. April and May are the standout quality months, with ideal offshore wind percentages peaking at 28-29%, but even the more wind-affected midwinter months offer the most consistent and consequential surf of the year.