
Cape Paterson, located along Victoria’s stunning Bass Coast, is a sanctuary for surfers seeking a more personal connection with the waves. Unlike the crowded lineups of Torquay, Cape Paterson offers pristine beaches, clear water, and a close-knit surfing community. Just 1.5 hours from Melbourne, it’s a destination that caters to all abilities, from first-time surfers to experienced thrill-seekers.
Beaches for everyone
Cape Paterson’s unique coastline offers a diverse range of beaches and surf breaks. For families that prefer calm and minimal waves and fun exploring rockpools, the patrolled Bay Beach is the place to go. For beginners, First Surf overlooked by the Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club is the go-to spot. This patrolled beach provides a safe, family-friendly environment where parents, kids, and even grandparents can be seen sharing waves. Mid to high tide is ideal here, making it a great spot for learning and building confidence.
Intermediate surfers can head to The Channel, which offers a good introduction to a reef break. This spot is known for its ability to work under varying tide and swell conditions, giving surfers the chance to test their skills. Advanced surfers looking for a powerful beach break should venture around to the other side of the Cape to F Break, a wave that’s best tackled with local knowledge due to its combination of shallow sandy bottom with rocky seabed and hidden dangers of rip currents when there is a good ground swell.
Beyond Cape Paterson, there’s no shortage of waves. Nearby surf spots like Eagles Nest, Inverloch, Kilcunda, and Victoria’s only national surfing reserve – Phillip Island provide world-class waves that can rival more famous locations. The ability to choose from so many surf spots within a short drive is what makes Cape Paterson a truly special surfing destination.
Benefits of surfing
Surfing is about more than catching waves. It’s a holistic experience that benefits the body, mind, and soul. Maggie Dent, a well-known parenting and resilience expert, captures this sentiment perfectly in her article about the reflections on her sons’ surfing journeys:
“Surfing is one of those activities that is so much more than it seems to be. It can be a pathway to growth and maturity as every experience teaches new lessons about mastering the ocean – even if only a little.” Her reflections highlight how the sport builds character, perseverance, and emotional well-being.
Here’s how surfing supports mental, emotional, and physical health:
- Physical strength: Surfing is a full-body workout. Paddling works the arms, shoulders, and back, while the “pop-up” movement strengthens the core and lower body. Balance, agility, and coordination are constantly tested with each wave, leading to improved overall fitness. As Steve Evans, local resident of The Cape explains, “I always say, you catch a wave, then you’re hooked and enjoying the challenge, it keeps you fit and healthy and you don’t even realise you’re doing solid exercise until you get home”.
- Mental well-being: The ocean’s rhythmic waves and calming atmosphere promote mental clarity. Many surfers describe feeling a sense of peace and presence while waiting for the next wave, a concept often referred to as “blue mind”. This mental state is linked to lower stress and heightened emotional well-being.
- Emotional resilience: Surfing teaches patience and adaptability. No two waves are the same, and the ability to “wipe out” and paddle back builds emotional grit. The unpredictable nature of the ocean reminds surfers that life’s challenges require patience, persistence, and perspective.
Pristine waters and clean beaches
One of the most remarkable aspects of Cape Paterson is the cleanliness of its beaches and waters. Residents and local conservation groups actively maintain the natural beauty of the area. Crystal-clear water and clean sands make it a joy to surf and swim here.
Efforts to protect local wildlife, including the endangered Hooded Plover, highlight the community’s commitment to sustainability. With clear water and litter-free beaches, Cape Paterson’s coastline is a model of ecological preservation. For surfers, this means a more enjoyable, safe, and unspoiled surfing experience.
A community built around surfing
Surfing in Cape Paterson is about connection. For many, surfing is as much about community as it is about the waves. Steve says “it’s a social thing, you meet guys out in the water and you see them around for years, yet it’s a running joke that you only know their nicknames!”.

Local surf schools and coaching services cater to surfers of all levels. Bass Coast Surf Academy, founded by Stephen Noble, offers surf lessons for beginners through to advanced surfers. Stephen’s passion for surfing and teaching is evident as he explains:
“Surfing is about growth, patience, and finding joy in every wave. It’s a way to connect with the ocean and with each other.” The Academy provides expert guidance for those looking to learn and improve their skills at Cape Paterson’s or the surrounding area surf breaks.
The Bass Coast Boardriders Club also plays a vital role in building this sense of community. It’s a place where surfers of all ages can meet, compete, and celebrate their shared love of the sport. Friday night sessions are popular during summer, offering a chance for surfers to gather and connect.
Why Cape Paterson rivals Torquay
Torquay might be known as the “surfing capital” of Victoria, but Cape Paterson—with its laid-back charm and uncrowded waves—offers an experience that’s arguably better. Some locals even describe it as “Torquay 30 years ago” when the crowds were smaller, and the community spirit was stronger.
What sets Cape Paterson apart is its access to diverse surf breaks within a short distance. From First Surf for families and beginners, to advanced breaks like F Break, the range of wave options is unparalleled. Add to this the clean water, vibrant marine life, and access to other nearby surf spots like Kilcunda, Eagles Nest, Inverloch, and Phillip Island and you have a coastal haven that’s hard to beat.
Surf cams and forecasts
For those planning their next surf session, as Steve explains, there are a few things you need to tick off before you get a good surf; what is the direction and size of the swell, what is the wind doing – which direction is it coming from and how strong is it, is the tide right?
Surfline.com and Swellnet provide real-time surf cams and forecasts for Cape Paterson and some of the surrounding breaks. Watching the surf before heading out helps surfers choose the right spot based on wave height, tide, and wind direction. With multiple breaks to choose from, surfers can pick the best option for their skill level and goals. Visit Surfline’s Cape Paterson page to check live conditions.
Ride the waves, reap the rewards
Surfing at Cape Paterson is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life. From the thrill of catching a wave at First Surf to the excitement of mastering F Break, every experience in the water shapes both the mind and body. Clean beaches, crystal-clear water, and a welcoming community make it a destination like no other.
As Stephen Noble concludes, ‘it’s very cool to have five breaks all within walking distance of The Cape’.
The lessons learned from surfing go beyond the waves. It’s about growth, resilience, and connection and a community—values that make Cape Paterson not just a surf spot, but a home for those seeking more than just a ride on the water.

