9 Best Intermediate Surf Spots in South Africa

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With over 1,600 miles of coastline, South Africa is a surfer’s paradise for any wave rider who doesn't mind chilly water and the occasional sharky hot spot. There are thousands of breaks that stretch from the rugged coast of the Atlantic Ocean to the more protected, balmy beaches of the Indian Ocean. Every level, board type, and wave preference can find their perfect nugget, making this country a must-visit for any surfer with the means to travel. Here are the best intermediate surf spots in South Africa.

Elands Bay, Western Cape

intermediate surfer, South Africa, Surf, elands bay

North of Cape Town, Elands Bay is a great escape from the crowds of the city and those looking for a near-perfect left-hand break. It’s not for the faint of heart, however, the water and weather are cold and windy, and the wave can put up barrels and big sections. The wave is fun for intermediate surfers up to about head high, but any bigger, and it becomes an advanced break. It works best on a West to North West Swell, Southeast to South wind, and mid to high tide.

Long Beach, Western Cape

An hour south of Cape Town and located in the town of Kommetjie, Long Beach has the most consistent surf in the Cape. It works best on a Southeast swell and mid to high tide. Outer Kom is the bigger break that puts up some sizable faces on a bigger western swell and is better reserved for advanced surfers.

Muizenberg, Western Cape

intermediate surfer, South Africa, Surf, muizenberg

Muizenberg is one of the most popular beaches in Cape Town. Its gentle waves are not only a longboarder's paradise but friendly for all levels from beginners to advanced looking for a cool, calm day. The proximity to town and ease of the wave makes it a crowded surf spot, so make sure to get an early start on nice summer days. It works best on a Southwest, South and East swell, Northwest to Southwest wind, all tides depending on swell size.

Stilbaai, Western Cape

Located in Boland in the Southern Cape, Stilbaai is a fairly consistent and exposed point break. It's rarely crowded and best surfed in the winter. It works best on a South swell with a Northwest wind and low tide.

Victoria Bay, Western Cape

intermediate surfer, South Africa, Surf, Victoria Bay

In the heart of the Southern Cape lies Victoria Bay, an unbeatable right-hand point break. It is consistent for most of the year and isn't safe from the common crowded day. The wave isn’t super difficult to surf, but it will be the most enjoyable for intermediate to advanced surfers. It works best on a Southwest, South and East swell, North, Northwest, and Southwest Wind, and almost all tides. It produces golden nuggets up to 4-5ft, but any bigger, and it gets a little too thick.

Cape St. Francis, Eastern Cape

Very close to the surf cult favorite film, Endless Summer's, famous wave at St. Francis Bay, Cape St. Francis is a consistent beach with a variety of point and shore breaks. It works best on an East swell and West to Northwest wind, and almost any tide. It’s a reasonable break for all levels depending on size.

Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape

The world-famous J Bay, home to a perfect 300 m long right pointbreak is a mecca for surfers and stop on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. The wave is challenging and should only be attempted by experienced intermediate surfers on smaller days. With a constant flow of newcomers looking to surf, the local vibe can get pretty intimidating and tense when someone is in the wrong, so make sure to tread with caution and respect. J Bay fires straight gold on a Southwest to South swell, West and Southwest wind, and the tide is dependent on swell size, so best to keep watch before paddling out.

Green Point, KwaZulu-Natal

Green Point is an exposed point break that has consistent surf for most of the year. It’s an off-the-beaten-path wave and relatively un-crowded aside from the occasional busy weekend. The spot works best on a South swell, a west to northwest swell, and most tides.

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

intermediate surfer, South Africa, Surf, Durban

A mecca for South African Surfers, Durban is referred to as the bay of plenty. There are very few days this spot doesn’t work, and within a few minutes of each other, there is a break for every surfer at every level. The beginner spots tend to be towards the southern end, and the waves get bigger the more north you go. The break called New Pier, aka the best wave in town, works best on Southwest and bigger East swell, Northwest, West, and Southwest wind, and a high tide for bowls and a low tide for barrels.

Planning to surf in South Africa? For the best intermediate surf techniques check out the Jamie O’Brien Surf App here for anytime, anywhere surf coaching.