Exploring the Best Surfing Spots in the Western Cape
For those looking for perfect waves in the Western Cape province, look no further. The Western Cape offers some of the most varied and beautiful surfing spots in South Africa. Whether you’re an experienced surfer in search of an adrenaline rush, or a beginner looking for a gentle wave, you’ll find a spot that suits you. Theprovince's warm waters and sandy beaches make it an ideal destination for surfing all year round. With a variety of locations to choose from, we’ll explore the five top spots to get your surf on.
Muizenberg Beach
Muizenberg Beach is arguably the most popular surfing spot in the Western Cape. Located on the False Bay coastline just a few kilometers outside of Cape Town, the beach has the iconic Victorian-style beach huts scattered along the shore. But the huts aren’t the only attraction - the wave is the perfect place for new surfers to learn. The gentle, rolling swell is ideal for practicing surfing fundamentals, especially for beginners and children. The beach boasts beautiful, white soft sand, making it a great spot for families spending a day out by the sea.
With its mellow surf and beginner-friendly vibes, another great feature of Muizenberg is its world-famous surf teacher, Simon, owner of H20 Sports. H20 Sports has been teaching surfers of all levels for the past 20 years, so if you’re looking to learn the basics or improve your technique, this is the spot to do it. Moreover, the beach hosts a large surf community and is the regular host of numerous surf events and competitions, adding to its exciting and welcoming vibe.
Llandudno Beach
For those looking for a quieter, more low-key surfing experience, Llandudno Beach is your go-to spot. The beach, located directly next to Hout Bay, is a small bay with beautiful white sand and an impressive mountain backdrop. Llandudno is for experienced surfers who are comfortable with a fast, steep and challenging wave. Its waves are ideal for ‘barrels’ - riding powerful waves that form long tubes around you as you surf through them.
The best time to explore this spot is during the winter months when strong South-West winds create some powerful waves. To get the most out of a Llandudno surfing experience, it’s essential to use a surfboard that’s better suited to quick turns, allowing you to really feel the speed and adrenaline of the wave. Despite its challenging nature, this spot is highly popular and the locals here are consistently aware of the ocean conditions to make sure surfers are getting the most out of their surfing experience.
Kalk Bay Harbour
Kalk Bay Harbour is located in the picturesque False Bay area, and is renowned for being one of the most reliable and consistent places to catch a wave close to Cape Town. Understanding the behavioural patterns of the waves here is key, as, unlike the other spots featured here, Kalk Bay does not have a cliff behind it, but rather a deep-water port. It makes for an interesting combination, creating fast and powerful waves that can be difficult to stay on, but that’s half the fun!
Kalk Bay is best suited to intermediate to advanced surfers as it provides a challenging and technical wave. Its outside lineup requires surfers to be comfortable in large and open swell when there’s a storm. The spot also has friendly locals and several surf schools in the area to help you find your way if needed. As with any spot situated near a harbour, try to be mindful of your surroundings, as there may be boats in the vicinity. Lastly, the only nearby facility is a public toilet, so make sure to bring your own refreshments and snacks.
Buffels Bay
Located on the Southwestern tip of Cape Peninsula National Park at the Cape of Good Hope, Buffels Bay offers longboard surfers a great place to catch some waves. It’s also a great spot for experienced surfers who want to sharpen their skills. It’s also a great spot for experienced surfers who want to sharpen their skills. Unlike Muizenberg and Kalk Bay, Buffels Bay has very little development and almost no infrastructure, so make sure to come prepared.
It’s best to visit the bay on wild and stormy days as the waves can reach up to 8 feet with a consistent left-hand break. The rocky outcrop in the bay provides some protection from those massive waves. High tide and a west-southwest swell will provide the best surfing experience here. The cozy bay also has some wildlife to spot, such as whales and dolphins, adding to the remote yet exciting atmosphere.
Long Beach