Bars transverse (perpendicular) to and attached to the beach separated by distinct rip troughs at 150-300 m spacing.
Breakers are typically 1.0-1.5 m high. The surf zone is 50 -150 m wide with cellular circulation pattern. The beach is undulated with cusps on the upper beach and is composed of fine to medium sand. These beaches are relatively safe during low waves however the pronounced changes in depth and current between bars and rips can be hazardous for the young and inexperienced.
The safest bathing on a transverse bar and rip beach is on the bars and well away from the rip channels and their side feeder currents.
Typical transverse bar and rip beaches include: Whangaparaoa Bay, Gisborne - Midway SLSC, Opunake, Kiritehere Beach, Curio Bay, Rapahoe, Morpeth Street.
