This break is the opposite side of Makarori Point. Park your car at Whales which is the northern most beach break at Wainui Beach.Rats will be visable from the car park jsut to the left of the whale grave.
Rats reef consistantly breaks but is outshone by its other side makarori point 90% of the time.It has many take of points and is best surfed on a NE swell with very litle wind when the take off zone is more defined. The wave is fast and breaks over a shallow reef. The paddle out is easy when you find it perfect.
Overview
Atmosphere
Rats reef is always worth a look but is often forgotten with surfers heading for Makarori or Wainui Beach breaks often with good reason. But if you do encounter one of its perfect days you will not be dissapointed. It breaks more consistantly left but this depends largley on the swell direction as it is more exposed to swell than Makarori Point.You can look across to Maka Point and see others in crowded conditions as you surf uncrowded perfection just 100 meters away.
General
If you find it working just right it will be an intense ride and awesome experience.
the original is Punga Punga
I've surfed this place on a number of occasions when its been clean and connected all the way to whales. You gotta think the guy who wrote this up knows what hes talking about because he says its not good that often...you gotta catch it on. As for the name I've heard it called , Rats and Punga Punga Point. As I understood it it was called the later because in the 50's there were 2 punga trees right on the end of the Wainui side of the point....there are photos around to prove it..that got demolished in a storm in the early 60's. Neil Walker may have given it his own name..but at the end of the day who cares what its called as long as you get it on. If you dont like it dont surf it would be the suggestion.
comment by anonymous, 2005-06-11 09:20:39
makanui
this place is a myth, ive surfed it and its no good.the REAL name is MAKANUI as named by neil walker. you best be getting yaself to the point for the tide gets too low
comment by anonymous, 2004-03-14 13:04:23
Catch it
I've had the opportunity to surf this wave and its certainly an experience. It was ledgey,heavy and intense but one of the best surfs I've ever had. I've seen guys more talented than myself surf it and absolutly rip it but also saw them pay a nasty price when they became to complacent about the take off. All in all a wave not to be missed if you catch it on.
comment by anonymous, 2005-06-24 14:13:05