South Africa boasts one of the premier swell windows worldwide. Peak season runs from June to September when winter swells create incredible waves all along its coastlines.
Jeffrey’s Bay (J-Bay) is one of the country’s premier beaches and home of Supertubes – an internationally acclaimed right-hander that draws surfers from around the world.
Jeffrey’s Bay
South Africa offers everything a surfer needs to start their surfing adventure – from novice learners looking to discover how to surf to advanced riders ready to conquer waves like Super Tubes. Boasting over 1,600 miles/2,500 kilometers of coastline, there are an abundance of world-class surf spots here ranging from Atlantic shores to Indian Ocean beaches; making South Africa an excellent choice no matter your skill level or experience level.
Jeffreys Bay (J-Bay), located on South Africa’s Eastern Cape, is one of the premier surfing spots. This right-hand point break offers world-class waves for surfers of all levels and experience levels. In addition to J-Bay’s iconic wave, it also hosts various other great surf spots including Bruce’s Beauties, Seals Point and Dungeons – making for an exceptional surfing experience!
J-Bay may now be known for its world-class surfing destination, but back in 1844 Captain Jeffreys ran a cargo ship along the treacherous East Coast of South Africa until suffering scurvy. When he finally came ashore at what now bears his name he came ashore near this beach known as J-Bay; back then it was only a tiny village without hotels or paved roads – surfers either stayed at Savoy Hotel if they had money or camped nearby while surfers in cars or kombis!
Today, J-Bay is an established surf town offering accommodation options to fit every budget and taste. As part of the Billabong Pro Tour, it attracts surfers from around the globe while it also hosts restaurants, takeaways, surf shops and supermarkets for convenience.
South Africa offers some excellent surf spots year-round for surfing enthusiasts. To maximise your surfing experience, the Roaring Forties usually produce large swells which transform sand-bottomed point breaks into deep tubes. But good waves can still be found throughout the year depending on season and conditions – summer brings smaller swells while winter offers more consistent surf in many of South Africa’s premier spots. To stay safe it’s essential that local rules are observed and shark territory avoided; wearing wetsuit and hoodie when surfing near Cape Town is also advised.
Durban
South Africa is a surf lover’s dream destination, boasting some of the world’s greatest waves and serving as an idyllic location for both amateur and professional surfers. Its temperate climate, beautiful coastal scenery, and abundant surf spots make South Africa an excellent option for anyone wanting to learn or hone their surfing skills – top surf spots include Jeffrey’s Bay, Dungeons and Cape St Francis – making for an amazing surfing experience!
Durban, located on South Africa’s east coast, is one of the nation’s most popular surfing destinations. The beach here provides the ideal place for beginners to learn to surf; surf schools can be found throughout town. April through September are typically warmest with waves at their height.
If you’re an advanced surfer, the southern region of Australia boasts some incredible waves for surfers of all levels. One such place is Dungeons; a legendary right-hand point which has produced some of the greatest surfers worldwide. Due to the fact that Dungeons only works at certain times of year and conditions might differ accordingly it would be wise to research all conditions before heading out there.
Cave Rock, Superbank and Plettenberg Bay are also top attractions in the area, with Plettenberg Bay serving as an exceptional surf spot with its rocky bottom offering long rides on most waves. Although its beach can sometimes become congested at times, its swell remains consistently good.
Elands Beach on the western coast offers some excellent surfing spots, with Elands proving particularly popular among intermediate surfers. At its best, this beach offers southwesterly swell combined with westerly winds for optimal surfing conditions – and also boasts stunning natural surroundings that attract birdwatchers!
South Africa may be known for safaris and beaches, but it’s also an amazing place for surfing. Its vast coastline provides a variety of surf breaks ranging from beach breaks to reefs and wedges; while two major ocean currents run across this three thousand-kilometre coastline: Mozambique-Agulhas (warm) and Benguela (cold).
Cape Town
Cape Town, known for its long coastline and consistent Indian Ocean swells, boasts numerous excellent surfing spots to choose from. Boasting some world-renowned right-hand point breaks like Super Tubes and Boneyards as well as beach breaks that suit all skill levels, Cape Town also has great food and nightlife that allow surfers to experience all that South Africa offers while riding its waves.
J-Bay, known for its wide array of waves, is perhaps best known in this region as one of the premier right-hand breaks worldwide, offering world-class rides to beginners as well as experienced surfers alike. July and August tend to bring strong swells that provide ideal surfing conditions at this beach destination.
Cape Town and its environs boast several other great beaches, such as Durban and Plettenberg Bay, both popular surfer destinations. Plettenberg Bay’s long sandy beaches and gorgeous scenery make it a prime place for beginners looking to learn how to surf; its waves tend to be less forceful than at other prominent South African beaches.
If you’re seeking a more challenging surf, The Hoek offers just that. Situated near Noordhoek Beach and ideal for big swells, The Hoek’s shallow sandbar and hard breaking waves make for an exciting ride; but be mindful that wearing wetsuits and boots may increase the danger.
Coffee Bay offers another serene and relaxing option. This small beach is an excellent spot for beginners looking to start surfing, with an active surf community nearby and warm waters that provide lessons at much more competitive rates than elsewhere in South Africa. Additionally, intermediate surfers will find this location to be quite advantageous too – its waters provide optimal conditions, and prices for lessons are significantly more economical.
The Cape Peninsula provides many wonderful surf locations, including Dungeons – an experienced surfers-only surf spot renowned for its dangerous yet advanced wave. A fantastic destination, Dungeons provides both scenic landscape and world-class surfing in one place!
Muizenberg
South Africa is an absolute surfers’ haven, boasting an incredible stretch of coast with some of the best waves anywhere. It offers everything from picturesque A-Frame beach breaks and point breaks, to massive slabs that produce huge A-Frame beach breaks and incredible point breaks.
Muizenberg offers beginners an ideal place to begin surfing, with numerous surf schools located on local beaches. Muizenberg Beach Break in particular is particularly suitable for novice surfers due to its variety of waves types – other beginner-friendly beaches include Long Beach and Seals Point.
Cape Town beaches tend to become overrun during the summer, making winter an excellent time to visit them and experience less crowding and bigger swell. Popular surf spots in this region include Super Tubes, Dungeons and Cave Rock which provide experienced surfers with amazing waves to ride.
Surfers can enjoy the cold Atlantic Ocean during the winter season for its superb waves that hit our country’s coastlines. To keep warm in this frigid waters a wetsuit may be required; furthermore, sharks tend to become more active during this season so it is wiser to avoid these waters altogether.
Muizenberg offers an exceptional range of accommodation options, ranging from guesthouses and apartments to luxurious villas. Some options can be found close to the beach with views of Table Mountain while others boast lush gardens with swimming pools in natural settings – many eco-friendly villas provide additional family options!
As well as numerous surfing schools in the area offering private lessons to both beginners and experienced surfers, several also provide surfboard rental. Some even provide maps with information on where the best waves are.
