Best Cape Town Surf Spots
Feature image courtesy of @mad.living
Cape Town is surrounded by amazing surfing options, the ocean wrapping itself around the city borders. The wind patterns around the coastline varies, offering surfers a chance to pick and choose what kind of surf conditions they want to test out.
The following is our pick of the best surfing spots in Cape Town. We also list the experience level for each Cape Town surf spot. We recommend keeping an eye on magicseaweed.com for up to date surfing conditions.
#1 Muizenberg
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq9nFTVHrk_/
Beginner
Situated in False Bay, it’s about half an hour’s drive from the CBD. Surfer’s Corner is a great starting point if you’re new to surfing, or if you are a long-boarder. The Muizenberg waves form clean lines and are usually gentle. If the wind starts to blow in a northwesterly direction, nice barrels are formed.
The beach is very popular. You can grab a beer or coffee after a good surfing session from the restaurants lining the beachfront.
#2Long Beach
Intermediate to Experienced
On the other side of the Table Mountain range, lies Kommetjie, another firm favourite of local surfers.
It’s roughly a 40-minute drive from the CBD. Once the southwesterly wind starts blowing, the surfing conditions become perfect, when the swell is strong enough (and most of the time it is) With the waves breaking both left and right, it creates ideal circumstances for both natural- and goofy-footers.
#3 Scarborough Beach
Intermediate to Advanced
Situated 45 minutes from the CBD, this almost-secret surfing spot is rarely overcrowded. The conditions are perfect for surfers as well as body boarders. It’s a stunning location, with the looming mountains as a beautiful backdrop for your surfing session.
#4 Crayfish Factory
Advanced
Close to Scarborough, but with more tricky conditions to manoeuvre. Known as just “the factory” under the locals, it’s a great spot to challenge your surfing skills. Waves can reach up to 15 feet at times. You’re guaranteed the most epic surfing experience when the north or northeasterly wind starts blowing. Because of the big waves, you need very good paddling skills to surf here.
#5 The Hoek
Advanced
Situated about 30 minutes from the CBD, close to the Noordhoek beach, this spot is only ideal in the summer.
But during these three months, it provides epic tubing opportunities. Get ready to take on the tubes when the South Easter starts blowing.
#6 Dungeons
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUIUr8ulJtb/
Advanced Only
Situated about 30 minutes from the CBD this right-hander spot is for hardcore surfers only. You need to travel by boat from the Hout Bay Harbour to reach it. The Cape Town surfing spot was put on the map by the Red Bull Big Wave Africa competition. You can only attempt to master these waves as a tow-surfer, as the waves can reach up to 60 feet. Read more about it in our post here.
#7 Llandudno
Intermediate to Advanced
Situated about 15 minutes from the CBD, you will be mesmerized by the beauty of this beach, tucked away at the bottom of a hill. Big boulders hug both sides of the cove, framing the serene blue ocean perfectly. It creates great hollow waves to stretch your skills.
#8 Glen Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYomEOgFXzF/
Advanced
Situated around the corner from Llandudno, this spot is also only suitable for highly-skilled surfers. The hollow waves here are very powerful. It lies between the Clifton beaches and Camps Bay. Remember to look up at the Twelve Apostles mountains to take in the full beauty of this stunning Cape Town surfing spot.
#9 Big Bay
Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
The experience level is dependant on the swell’s size. This beach is about 30-minute drive from the CBD, towards the West Coast. It lies between Bloubergstrand and Melkbosstrand. It is also a very popular windsurfing spot. The most ideal surfing conditions occur when the easterly or southeasterly wind starts blowing. Stop at Doodles or Pakalolo on your way back for a refreshing drink.
#10 Derdesteen
Intermediate
Situated 30 minutes from the CBD, it also lies on the way to the West Coast. It’s a great secret surfing spot.
With multiple take-off points, you won’t be brushing shoulders with your fellow surfers when it gets busy. The spot is most suitable in autumn or winter with less hardcore winds than in summer. During these two seasons the seabed is also shaped for the ultimate surfing experience.
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