Surf South Africa - Quick Facts
LOCATION: Err, south of North Africa
POPULATION: 56000000
NATIONALITY: South African
LANGUAGE: 11 official languages, including Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu (gives Senegal a run for it's money)
CURRENCY: Rand

The Republic of South Africa is located at the southern tip of Africa. It's a large country with over 50 million people. Pretoria is the country's executive capital,
Bloemfontein is the judicial capital, and Cape Town is the legislative capital. The largest city is Johannesburg.

Surfing in South Africa

South Africa cops plenty of swell from antarctic lows and is surrounded by the ocean on three sides (all but the north) which makes for huge surfing possibilities. It's 3 000 km coastline has a 270 degree exposure to the swells that may be on offer, so we are talking about lots and lots of waves. This coastline is swept by two major ocean currents, the warm south-flowing Mozambique-Agulhas Current and the cold Benguela, and every coast is pounded by surf throughout the year.

There are so many world class surf spots it is just not funny. The surfing world got its first taste in the Endless Summer movie, now South African waves feature on websites and surf magazines the world over.

The massive coast ensures empty waves can be found. Watch out for Sharks!

South Africa Surf Spot Map

So, anyone heard of Jeffery's Bay? Fly to Port Elizabeth, drive south round the coast and you'll find it. One of the finest waves on the planet. But South Africa has a lot more to offer in the surf and wave department.

South Africa cops plenty of swell from antarctic lows and is surrounded by the ocean on three sides (all but the north). It's 3000 km coastline has a 270 degree swell exposure - and we all know what that means - waves waves waves. This coastline is swept by two major ocean currents, the warm south-flowing Mozambique-Agulhas Current and the cold Benguela, and every coast is pounded by surf throughout the year.
South Africa is famous for its sunshine. Generally speaking, April and May are the most pleasant months. The rainy season over the summer-rainfall region has then ended, while it has not yet really started in the winter-rainfall area. March to September sees the best surf, the Roaring Forties provide all the swells you are going to need. The surf can be anywhere in the 6-15ft range, but there are spots that will hold much bigger. At this time of the year you can be almost guaranteed offshore conditions in the morning.


There are to many world class spots to mention so we will just recommend the main areas of St Francis Bay, Durban and the Cape Peninsular (where the surf is most consistent. South Africa really is a great place for a surfing vacation.
What are you waiting for, get your bags packed, sort some insurance, and get out there.

Surfing South Africa - The Good
Consistent, Quality Surf
Long Surfing Season

Surf South Africa - The Bad and the Ugly
Cold Water
Crime in Urban Areas

South Africa Surfing Conditions

If you have information on surfing in South Africa we would like to know. Tell us how good or bad your surfing vacation was by posting your trip details on our surfers forum.

For a more in-depth guide to the country, visit southafrica.net

Thick wetsuits especially around the cape town area because in the winter it can get quite cold.