Freshwater is part of the Manly-Freshwater National and World Surfing Reserve that recognises the historical, cultural and environmental values of famous surfing beaches. It is where Duke Kahanamoku held his famous 1915 surfing demonstration that popularised surfing in Australia.
Freshwater has some pretty reasonable waves in the one to two-metre mark. It can be busy on a summers day with people learning to surf, and families sticking in groups.
For less experienced surfers, the break at the middle-northern end of the beach is an ideal spot for you.
More experienced surfers may not get the wave they’re looking for but you can try the southern end which can get pumping with the right swell.
https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/recreation-area/freshwater-beach