Col Smith at North Narrabeen 1968

North Narrabeen is renowned as one of the great surf breaks of the world. The large triangle of white water to the left of the headland in the aerial photo below illustrates why.

North Narrabeen and the Lakes on a stormy day*

The lake emptying into the sea here creates a deep channel (known as shark alley) that is seen as a line of dark green water leading to the apex of the triangle. This is instrumental in forming the sand bank that creates this classic break. Long Reef about 4 miles to the south hooks onto the southerly swells and directs them towards North Narrabeen. The deep water off shore allows these swells to finally break with more power than most beaches in the area.

A very "local" beach

Surf beaches are notorious for being tribal and very territorial. When you have a break with the quality of Narrabeen in a city the size of Sydney the pressures become extreme.

Narrabeen Lake