Cape Town Surf Guide
Surf spot guide
Ideal Surf Conditions
Swell Direction
W
Wind
S, E
Surf Height
Waist high to overhead.
Tide
The Wedge loves a pushing tide and a high tide.
Cape Town Surf Guide
The City of Cape Town doesn’t really have any surf spots. Most city beaches and bays were reclaimed many years ago to build an enormous harbor. The only real wave that breaks within the city zone is The Wedge.
Ability Level
Intermediate - Advanced
It’s a wedge, and it barrels. You need a quick takeoff and good knowledge of riding barrels and side waves.
Local Vibe
Doable
Used to be quite aggro with surfers from Milnerton and Pinelands, now pretty mellow.
Crowd Factor
Moderate
Because it breaks so close to the shore and is generally quite small, Wedge gets busy.
Spot Rating
Fun
When it’s on, there are tricky takeoffs but barrels and air sections on most waves.
Shoulder Burn
Light
Short paddle out, lots of waves. You can catch so many waves without exertion.
Water Quality
Dirty
The water can get so dirty that it isn’t even worth going for a surf.
Hazards
Challenging access over slippery, slimy dolosse. And pollution from the nearby Black River.
Bring Your
Shortboard
Access
Sketchy, as it breaks inside the harbor zone. Between security checks and the occasional stopping of cars, sometimes there simply is no access. Then if you do get there, you have to jump off the dolosse to get into the water — very risky at high tide.
Bottom
Hard, compact sand.
Best Season
Wedge needs a big swell, and it needs an offshore. Otherwise, it collapses on itself. So usually autumn or spring.
Do you have local knowledge about Cape Town?
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at [email protected]