Longshore bar and trough beaches consist of a shore parallel bar separated from the beach by a deep trough.
Breakers are typically 1.5-2.0 m high and rip currents are moderate. The beach is generally straight composed of medium sand with a moderate to steep beach face. Cusps are also often present on the upper beach. At a Longshore bar and trough beach the deep trough and distance to outer bar generally restricts most bathers to the swash zone and inner trough.
The safest bathing area at a longshore bar and trough beach is in the swash zone and in the inner trough away from rips.
Typical longshore bar and trough beaches include: Mokau Beach, Tomahawk Bay, St Kilda Beach, Football Field Brighton.
NIWA