The Western Cape coastline of South Africa is one that’s dotted with numerous points and bays, which – as any surfer worth his weight in board wax will know – are two of the ingredients that go into the making of some gnarly waves!
With a range of diverse locations sprinkled along the Western Cape coastline, each with its own attractions, we’ve decided to give you the low-down on where you can hang ten, regardless of whether you’ve been surfing since before you could walk or have never touched a surfboard in your life.
If you’re a beginner…
Known as the Surfer’s Corner, Muizenberg beach is a popular surf spot for learners of all levels. Located just 30-minutes’ drive from the City Centre, it’s a spot with fun gentle waves and a number of surf shops with surf instructors who are eager to spread the ‘stoke’ of surfing with anyone who wishes to learn. The beach itself is a popular family beach, with a range of restaurants and coffee shops nearby, that offer the delicious promise of a hot chocolate after an hour or two in the water.
If you’re more experienced…
If you’ve been surfing for a while and are looking for a challenge (as well as a chill) then Long Beach in Kommetjie is the place for you to be. As its name suggests, Long Beach is a long stretch of sandy beach with a number of breaks to be found along it. Not really suitable for beginners, more experienced natural and goofy-footed surfers can find ample opportunity to catch decent waves and, if you’re lucky, get barrelled too. Long Beach offers one of the best and most consistent shore breaks in the country, second only perhaps to Durban’s. Situated a little further out of the city, passed Noordhoek and Capri, it’s a must for anyone who knows what they’re doing on a board and is keen for a chilly challenge!
If you’re a big-wave surfer…
The Cape Peninsula’s claim-to-fame for big-waves, Dungeons is a surf spot that’s not for the feint-hearted! Capable of reaching a 30-foot swell, Dungeons breaks over a shallow reef and is only accessible by water craft. Dismally quiet in the summer months, this monster of a surf spot only really works in the event of a winter storm – something that luckily takes place quite frequently between the months of May and September.
If you like to surf somewhere pretty…
Located in one of the most picturesque settings in the World, Llandudno is a beach break consisting of crystal-blue waters, snow-white sand and majestic mountain surroundings – all of which make up for the very chilly water! A well-loved surf spot among locals, it can be a dog-eat-dog surf spot where surfers sit on top of one another waiting for their turn. While it’s certainly beautiful, Llandudno’s waves can get hollow and the ever-present threat of nasty, granite boulders nearby. Localism can also be a deterrent for visitors to this surf spot, which is why it’s recommended that only intermediate to advanced level surfers paddle out to the backline at Llandudno.
Having only mentioned four of the MANY surf spots to be found around Cape Town, you can begin to get an idea for the diverse and exciting potential that’s out there for lovers of surfing, of all levels and experience.
And with the constant promise of a surf-able waves year-round, as well as a variety of accommodation options to suit your needs while you surf yourself silly in the Mother City, there’s no reason not to get out there and try your hand at the Sport of Kings.
