Kamala
Also known as: Northies
A versatile, mellower alternative to Kata - beginner-friendly beach banks at the north end plus a fickle headland point for stronger surfers.
Best time to surf
SW monsoon ~May-October
Shoulder season: Marginal at edges; flat in the NE monsoon
The wave
Break type: Beach/reef break
Bottom: Sand beach break (banks held by surrounding reef); a separate point/reef section
Wave direction: Both - left and right beach peaks; point breaks off the headlands
Typical wave length: Beach-break lengths; 'Northies' stands up nearer shore; point sections short and inconsistent
Ideal swell: SW swell; ~0.5-3m; Northies consistent 0.5-3m; the point needs over 1m
Ideal wind: Variable; light offshore best
Working tide: All tides depending on swell/banks - under 1m better on low, over 1m most tides; point on mid
Difficulty & skill
Difficulty (1-5): 2 (beach) / 4 (point-reef)
Skill level: Beginner (north-end beach, small days) to experienced (point/reef)
Options for a mixed group: Good - beginners at the north end ('Northies') on smaller days; intermediates on central banks; advanced to the headland point-reef
Safety & hazards
Point/reef sections not for beginners; monsoon rip currents (heed flags); rocks/reef around the headlands
Seasonal lifeguards (flag system - obey red flags); hospitals Bangkok Hospital Phuket / Patong; tourist police; 1669
Crowd, access & conditions
Crowd & localism: Quieter and more relaxed than Kata; a small growing scene; mellow
Access & parking: ~15 min north of Patong over the Khao Phanthurat pass; multiple beach access points; roadside/beach parking
Surf schools & rental: Surfboard rental at a few beach shops; guiding via Saltwater Dreaming; formal lessons more established at Kata (day-trip guiding to Kamala)
Water temp & wetsuit: Tropical ~28-30 C; boardshorts/rashguard, no wetsuit
Crowds, access and local conditions change - confirm locally before you paddle out.
Around the break
Facilities: Growing - bars, restaurants, guesthouses, resorts, beach rental, toilets
For non-surfers: Swimming (flagged), beach clubs and dining, Big Buddha, Kata viewpoint, spas, island day trips
Location
Nearest hub: Phuket (Thailand)
7.9556, 98.2814 (approximate)
Live conditions
Today's swell, wind and tide are a runtime layer - check the live sources: Surf-Forecast Kamala / Kamala Reef; Travel Online Phuket
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand surf report. Coordinates are approximate.