- Wind: SW strongest (onshore), W–NW cross-on; SE–S shadowed
- Season: November to March
- Water: Shore break, sandbars, occasional ramps, river-mouth butter
- Skill: Intermediate (beach breaks, shifting tide cuts)
- Ideal Tide: Mid to high — better for launch and river mouth access
- Launch Space: Grassy rigging near surf club, sandy beach entry
- Hazards: Gusts near cliffs (S–SE), shallow river mouth, shifting sandbars
South Australia – South Port Beach (Adelaide)
Welcome to South Port — where the Onkaparinga River meets the sea and Adelaide’s southern beaches start to get interesting. A reliable go-to when the sea breeze kicks and you need a dose of wind and motion without leaving the metro sprawl.
SW is the hero here — proper onshore, clean, and often stronger than forecast thanks to the seabreeze effect. W to NW works well too, giving that lovely cross-on push. S and SE? Forget it. Shadowed and torn up by the cliffs — gusty and generally not worth the effort.
The beach throws up a decent mix — shifting sandbars, light shore break, and some playful ramps when the swell’s up. But if you’re lucky and the river mouth has carved itself just right, you can sneak butter into the mouth of the Onkaparinga. It’s tight, it’s shallow, and it doesn’t last long — but when it’s there, you’ll know.
Launch near the surf club — grassy rigging, solid beach access, and usually a few other frothers around to share the stoke. Works best on mid to high tide. Foilers can push further out or walk north for deeper water.
It’s not a secret spot, but it’s got just enough flavour to keep it interesting every time. South Port delivers metro magic when the wind’s got west in it — salty, simple, and straight to the point.