South Africa is an extremely popular hot spot for surfers around the world. There are hundreds of great surf spots within South Africa and many tourists come here year after year to enjoy all breath taking possibilities. Surfing aside, South Africa is still a great destination for any tourist. However if you are a diehard and talented surfer and visiting South Africa for the first time then there are 5 great places you can get started with for a unique surfing experience. These are Elands Bay, Jeffrey’s Bay, Dungeons, North Beach and New Pier.
Elands Bay
Located about 220 kilometres from the capital city Cape Town, Elands Bay is a small town located in the Western Cape Province on the Atlantic Ocean. This place is perfect for experienced surfers as the waves are left directional and one can reach a normal length from 50 to 150 metres high. But the waves are hollow, fast, and powerful that makes it ideal for the ultimate surfing experience. This is truly a surfing paradise. It also promises many beautiful sunsets. Other activities to enjoy here are bird watching, kayaking, fishing and finding some of the rare wild flowers. Cray fish are found in abundance here. There are many places for accommodation around Elands bay like the Elands Bay Beach Cottage which is close to the ocean and is also affordable.
Jeffrey’s Bay
Also famously known as the J-Bay, Jeffrey’s Bay lies on southern South African coastline. The waves here go up to 12 feet high and are very fast, making the surfing experience very thrilling. Many experienced surfers come here and showcase their surfing talents every year but it is usually crowded n winter. Apart from surfing, there is also the opportunity to scuba dive, hike where you can explore local marine ecosystems, & visit a shell museum with over 600 shells of different species from beaches all over the world. JayBay house is a great bed and breakfast and considered one of the best accommodations in Jeffrey’s Bay. The house has rooms that have panoramic views of the sea making it a very beautiful place to stay and enjoy.
Dungeons Surf
Located in the Cape Peninsula, Dungeons is a sheltered reef break with winter being the best time of the year to visit. The offshore winds here blow from north-west and are a right hand reef. The sea here has seals and sharks so you need to be careful and strictly aware of your surroundings. The waves here are big enough to scare the onlookers but provide pure thrills for surfers. There is also a Red Bull big wave surf contest that happens every year in July. There are many accommodations ranging from cheap to luxury hotels to choose from. Enjoying sunsets, hiking and fishing are other activities you can enjoy here.
North Beach
North Beach in Durban, South Africa is an exposed beach with a consistent surf and wind direction from the west. You need be careful about sharks, rocks, and jelly fish at this beach and follow guided safety measures at all times. Southern Sun North Beach Hotel is the closest accommodation to the beach. You can enjoy amenities such as a dolphin show, casino, and other modern entertainment. This is a posh hotel but there are lot of affordable hotels and cottages nearby.
New Pier
New Pier again is an exposed beach making it a ideal surfing paradise with consistent surfs and waves that break both left and right giving a unique experience for surfers here. Hence it is a very popular wave for surfing in South Africa. There are again many hotels nearby beach and great cottages that offer sea views. Fishing is another major activity here for any time you’d like to spend relaxing.
…
Photo by 30431232@N03 on Flickr