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South African Culture: Surfing in South Africa

Surf guide to South Africa

For all the replica football shirts dotted around South Africa in 2010 don't be surprised to see a fair few baggies, huarachi sandals and bushy bushy blonde hairdos as surfers continue to flock to the area.

South Africa boasts a three sided coastline measuring a colossal 3000 km and enjoys a 270 degree swell exposure which translates as a wavefest unique to the region. Two major ocean currents lap over each other, the warm south-flowing Mozambique-Agulhas current and the cooler Benguela, both contriving to pound the shore with waves suitable for every type of surfer.

While the Roaring Forties have been the curse of sailors in the Southern Ocean for centuries the boisterous and prevailing westerly winds make the South African coastline a surfer's playground. The peak of the region's March to September surf season will fall bang on the 2010 World Cup so if the excitement on the pitch wears thin why not try your hand in the big blue.

Another plus is despite the southern hemisphere being plunged into winter at the time don't expect the weather to drop much below a sunny daze.

Waves at a steady 6-15ft are ten a penny in most spots while the more experienced surfer won't have to look to far for uncrowded Supers with Jeffery's Bay an especially mighty gully.

Asking locals for a good spot to get your feet wet will generally lock you into an hour plus conversation as the Saffas are extremely proud of their surf and sublime costal scenery. Here's a little look at some places which will cater for novices and hardcore surf junkies alike.

The coast of the KwaZulu-Natal can hold a torch to any of the world's best surfer centres. Fantastic waves pepper the shore including hollow beach breaks, points and a few classic reef breaks. Leave your wetsuit at home because the water is luke warm all year round and the waves are never far away. The meat of the season falls between May and August here when cold fronts sweep up from the Cape packing solid six to eight-foot swells.

Out of season the waves may drop in height but a pleasant ride is still up for grabs at the numerous beach breaks. Some of the brightest spots in and around Durban are New Pier, Bay of Plenty, Cave Rock, St Mike's, Umdloti, Ballito and Alkanstrand.

The Eastern Cape region houses some of South Africa's cleanest and most beautiful beaches. Two spots with angry seas that attract millions every year are Port Elizabeth and East London. King's Beach and 'the pipe' in Port Elizabeth are both particularly special and although waves are generally small the odd freak swell can produce the occasional Super. Down in East London be sure to get along to the beefy Nahoon Beach as well as Port St Johns with its stretch of untendered topical coastline.

As already mentioned Jeffrey's Bay, or J-Bay to the locals, has an envied reputation around the world. Home to the Billabong Pro surf championships the right-hand break produces the most consistent high quality waves in the country. J-Bay can be a little crowded in high season but refuge is available in nearby St Francis Bay when you need a little space to breathe.

Over in the Western Cape you will find the sandy beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton, Bloubergstrand, Hermanus and Muizenberg. What these spots have in common is fantastic waves and mind blowing scenery, plus the chance of penguins or dolphins sharing the swell. The water can get a little cold but the waves make tasting the chill well worth it.

Finally the Garden Route needs a mentions with its lush natural beauty and buckets of sand. Plettenberg Bay is one of the most popular spots in the country, the fun is divided up between the two beaches of Robberg and Lookout. The ominous sounding Wilderness will give you furious seas kicking up tall waves and just along the coast Victoria Bay is a little more tame and hosts a number of annual surf competitions.

One note of caution and not to put you off dipping your toes in but sharks also share the sea along both Capes with surfers. There is a rich variety of tropical, temperate, vegan and carnivorous sharks in the area and sightings are common. All local surfers will be able to regal you with tales of close shaves and tourists are implored to take notice of the signs which are clearly displayed in areas with potential for attacks. Some bays are fenced off and pose minimal threat but don't expect this to be the norm.

With that in mind, scope out the area you wish to surf and get to know the layout before you get in. Once in the sea you should feel confident of the area and there will be nothing to stop you getting the most out the ripping surf South Africa has to offer.

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