Whether it’s the Supertubes in Jeffrey’s Bay, the rugged beauties of the Wild Coast or a gentle swell off The Bluff in Durban, surfing is a favourite pastime for South Africans who love nothing more than taking on the ocean waves.
According to Will Bendix, Editor of South Africa’s favourite surfing magazine – Zig Zag, visitors to our shores are spoilt for choice when it comes to surfing hotspots. ‘It’s hard to say which are the best spots, as honestly, the whole coastline offers fantastic surfing and each and every province has something different to offer,’ he says.
Bendix says that one of his personal favourites is Eland’s Bay on the West Coast - for its near-perfect waves. He also says that Jeffrey’s Bay (or J-Bay as it is affectionately known) is a must for passionate surfers. ‘Jeffreys Bay really is the flagship of surfing in South Africa. The waves (mostly in winter) are incredible. Nowadays you even get the international guys coming in the off-season.’ He says that in peak season one virtually trips over the Brazilians, French and American surfers that roll in to catch the best waves of the season. The fact that an international world surfing championship also takes place here during July is another draw card.
If you are visiting the Western Cape, Bendix says that the Kommetjie stretch of coastline as well as Noordhoek beach are an excellent bet. In the Southern Cape, he advises Victoria Bay – which means one gets to surf perfect waves at the bottom of towering cliffs. There is also a well-equipped camping site nearby with splendid views and adequate facilities.
Apart from J-Bay, Bendix says that the Eastern Cape coastline is really fantastic. ‘Nahoon Reef in East London is world-renowned. You also get epic waves off the Wild Coast, but it’s pretty isolated so you’ve got to be brave to get out there on your own.’
In his own (Durban) backyard on The Bluff, Bendix has a few favourites: ‘Anstey’s Beach and Cave Rock are both awesome. I also quite like the Natal South Coast and if you go north up to Ballito, there are some pretty cool spots. The best bet is to talk to the local surfers and find out where they surf’.
For international surfers planning to pay South Africa a visit, just when is a good time to plan a trip? Bendix advises: ‘Durban in May is absolutely awesome the waves are consistently good. Then I’d say the Eastern Cape in June – anywhere from Cape St Francis all the way to East London. You can’t go wrong.’
There are also a number of surf schools along the South African coastlines. So, don’t be concerned if you are a first-time surfer – there are excellent teachers out there to have you conquering the surf in no time at all.
Surfing Hotspots at a Glance:
- Supertubes at J-Bay
- Bruce’s Beauties at Cape St Francis
- Durban - the Bluff: Ansteys Beach and Cave Rock
- Bay of Plenty – Durban
- Eland’s bay on the West Coast
- Noordhoek and Kalk Bay, Western Cape
- East London’s Nahoon Reef
- Outer Kom, Scarborough Pint, Rocklands and old Solly’s – Cape Town region.
Events
If you are in South Africa during the month of July, don’t miss out on the Vodacom Beach Africa festivities. The event is said to be the largest beach festival in the world and takes place along Durban’s Golden Mile. A highlight of the event is the Mr Price Men’s surfing final – a spectacle of note. Also look out for the Red Bull Big Wave Africa competition.
Happy Surfing!
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