Paturau River

📍 Local Knowledge

Paturau River in Nelson - West Coast is an exposed beach break that has consistent surf and can work at any time of the year. The best conditions occur when a West-southwest swell (a mix of groundswells and windswells) combines with an offshore wind direction from the Southeast, though it has no shelter from cross-shore breezes and is easily blown out by onshore winds. The spot features left-hand beach breaks, a left-hand point break, and reef breaks offering superior lefts, all of which work best around low tide. Due to its location, it never gets crowded, but surfers should take care of the strong rips present here. The best time of year for consistent, clean waves is during the winter, particularly the month of February.