Tahlia grew up surfing Crescent Head Point before and after school – the stuff an energetic kid’s dreams are made of. After a few years of travelling and living in other places, Tahlia moved back to her hometown with her husband and toddler, and is once again enjoying her home break.
Here, Tahlia shares some precious memories alongside tips for making the most of a surf trip to Crescent Head:
1. Started surfing at a place locals call ‘the track’, which is just outside the surf club in Crescent Head
I started surfing at a place locals call ‘the track’, which is just outside the surf club in Crescent Head between the beach and the point. My mum was a great surfer who had no fear, and I was lucky enough to have her coaching me onto my first waves.
I’ll never forget this one perfect day when I surfed for three hours straight. After that, I was hooked. Mum used to take me surfing most mornings and she’d either surf with me or drop me off and pick me up just before school. If she was running late, I’d have my skateboard hidden in the rocks and just I’d skate around in my steamer and wait for her. If I stayed out too long, she’d be flashing her lights at me from the carpark!
2. One of my most memorable surf sessions was at Racecourse Point with a mate & her dad
One of my most memorable surf sessions was at Racecourse Point with a mate and her dad, who was an incredible surfer. I was probably about 13 and we were the only ones out. I remember it was so good that we surfed all day until we literally couldn’t see because of the sun.
I also have lots of beautiful memories of surfing the point with friends – you really can’t beat it when it’s sunny and a little bit onshore (to deter the crowds!).
3. The best place to learn to surf around here is probably Big Hill
The best place to learn to surf around here is probably Big Hill. It’s so easy to access, has plenty of shady spots and minimal people, so you’re less likely to hit anyone! The waves are often very gentle and even beginners can sometimes paddle onto an unbroken wave.
4. One of my favourite things to do on the weekend is to pack lunch & an umbrella & spend the whole day down at Back Beach (Goolawah) with friends
One of my favourite things to do on the weekend is to pack lunch and an umbrella and spend the whole day down at Back Beach (Goolawah) with friends. There’s nothing better than riding the fun little left-handers on a short board, and it’s rarely crowded.
5. North Delicate is a great beach for families
North Delicate is a great beach for families. The surf is rarely big, and the conditions are pretty safe. There are also some nice rockpools for kids to explore and sandhills to run down. We love it.
6. One tip I’d give to anyone who wants to surf in Crescent Head is: be kind & smile at everyone
One tip I’d give to anyone who wants to surf in Crescent Head is: be kind and smile at everyone. Say “Hi”. You don’t need to hustle to have a great surf here, so just relax and have fun. Also…. don’t drop in!
7. The one piece of advice I always give to friends who are new to surfing is to make sure your board is on the beach side of you
The one piece of advice I always give to friends who are new to surfing is to make sure your board is on the beach side of you. If you can remember this, you’re less likely to get hit on the head by your board. Like everything, surfing is about being willing to have a go on whatever board you can get your hands on. If you practice enough, you’re eventually going to love it.
8. One of my picks for surfing on the Macleay Valley Coast outside of Crescent Head would have to be Hungry
One of my picks for surfing on the Macleay Valley Coast outside of Crescent Head would have to be Hungry, just out the front of Hungry Gate Campground in Hat Head. If you want to avoid the crowds, this is your best bet.