Morning glory at Avoca Beach

Over the past week I’ve had the good fortune to grab a much-needed holiday in the sleepy town of Avoca Beach with my family. On this particular morning I awoke to head the call of nature and, walking past the window saw the above scene greet me. I quickly took a photo and posted it online and immediately got the “Red sky in morning, sailors warning” response from a few different paddlers around the world.

Over the next day I did a number of fun things with my wife and kids, all the while watching the sea state to see if there was evidence of a storm or front approaching, as per the weather forecast. But as the day progressed, all I could see were calm waters and a regular surf set coming through. Watching my interest, my wife eventually suggested I head out for a paddle.

Paddling out to the breakwater at Terrigal's southern headland

I quickly got the boat ready and launched at the southern end of Terrigal beach, alongside numerous ocean ski paddlers out for their afternoon session. Paddling up to the point, I sat and watched as surf sets rolled through, curling around the breakwater and into the small bay. For a while I rode runners from the breakwater to the beach, before deciding I’d head out to sea and paddle around the point for a better look.

Terrigal Point from the north. Calm and a little lumpy.

As I paddled out to see I was stuck by, well, the boredom of it. Paddling further around the point, I watched the waves rolling against it, breaking into white plumes of froth, but otherwise I wasn’t really finding it too exciting, so decided to head back in for more of a surf.

Small breaking waves.

Paddling back to the point, I enjoyed a few more curling waves as I surfed between the boats moored off the boat ramp. For about another 30 minutes I caught runners and a few breakers, before moving into the breakwater for a closer look at the churning froth washing through it.

Froth and rocks.

And with my paddling fix now achieved, I head into the beach and packed up, ready for a new day and a new paddle adventure. Ideally, something a fraction more exciting! Cheers – FP

Looking from the point back to Avoca.