- Wind: E–SE (avoid anything W)
- Season: November to March
- Water: Semi-sheltered, light kickers, gusty nearshore
- Skill: Intermediate+ (tight launch, gusty, reactive)
- Ideal Tide: Mid (narrow beach at high)
- Launch Space: Tight beach under cliffs, rock walls to south
- Hazards: Gust bands, wind shadow, limited space, swimmers
Victoria – Nun’s Beach – Portland
Welcome to Nun’s Beach — tucked under cliffs on the northern edge of Portland Harbour, this short stretch of sand offers more than meets the eye, but only if you know what you’re doing.
Wind here is tricky. The bluff behind the beach throws off heavy turbulence in anything west, and even on a solid day, you’re dealing with compression, swirls, and gust bands. It’s cleanest in a light E to SE, but even then, the wind wraps weird — expect it to punch, drop, and change shape quick.
The beach is narrow and tight, with rock walls to the south and swimmers on warm days. Launching here demands confidence and control — there’s no room for sketchy setups or flailing lines. Definitely not for beginners.
Out on the water, conditions can be surprisingly fun. A bit of reef offshore helps keep things semi-sheltered, with little kickers when the breeze lines up. But it’s close quarters, and you’ve got to stay sharp — there’s no space to drift or mess around.
If you’ve got your self-rescue down, can launch tight, and want a quick hit close to town — Nun’s can deliver. But if you’re still learning, keep walking. Intermediate and up. Head up the beach to Allestree