Spring Break Surf Guide: South Africa

Surfing is a popular water sport in which a person is carried along the face of a wave that is breaking. Wave-riders often use surfboards but other equipment is also available for riding waves. Gear that can be used for surfing includes kneeboards, kayaks, surf skis, and body boards (also known as boogie boards).

The southernmost tip of the continent of Africa has become a popular site for surfers. The climate here is temperate and is partial to the warm current Agulhas (from Mozambique), the Indian Ocean to the east, and the cold current Benguela coming from the Atlantic Ocean on the west. Although it is a popular site for surfing, South Africa has been known to have a high incidence of shark attacks. As a result of this only the most experienced surfers come here to ride the waves.

Kogel Bay, also known as Cool Bay, is a popular surf spot about 30 minutes outside of Strand Beach near the city of Cape Town. This beach has a magnificent view of the local mountain scenery and ocean, and has been a well-liked place for whale watching. Those who want to surf Kogel Bay should be at the intermediate level, at the very least, as this stretch of beach has powerful waves and very strong currents and rips. Facing south to southeast the length of an average ride is 50 - 100 meters in length. Other beaches in this area include Sunset Beach, Vic's Bay, Plettenberg Bay, Buffel's Bay, and Jeffrey's Bay.

Jeffrey's Bay, known as "J'Bay," has been called home to the "perfect wave" and "endless summers." It is just short of an hour's drive from Port Elizabeth and is a surfer's retreat in the Eastern Cape on the Sunshine Coast. J'Bay also has other surf spots near the point. These include Albatross, Boneyards, Main Beach, and Tubes. The surfing season runs from June to August but high-quality waves can be found as early as April and as late as September.

Rent Surfing Gear
Gear for surfing can be rented at most beaches that offer surfing services. Gear can also be rented at:
The Billabong Factory Shop
Located at 2a Da Gama Road.
Tel: 042 200 2616 / 200 2643
Email: tina@billabong.co.za

Accommodations & Food

Jeffrey's Bay is located in the Central suburb. Da Gama road has a host of accommodations from ranging from lodges to luxury guesthouses. There are numerous shops and restaurants at Park Lane Market Square and the Billabong Village. There are also several housing units in this area with each having a different selection of rooms.

Food
Potter's Place Restaurant
A fully licensed coffee shop and restaurant that provides catering services and has live entertainment. Located on the corner of Oosterland and St. Francis Street in Jeffrey's Bay.
Tel. +27 (0) 42 293 2500

Hotels
JBay Listing 17
Town: Jeffrey's Bay
Rates: From R150 - R500.
Six rooms are available in this unit.

JBay Listing 19
Town: Jeffrey's Bay.
Rates: From R160 - R230.
There are 10 cabins in this unit.

JBay Listing 25
Town: Jeffrey's Bay
Rates: From R250 - R700.
There are 16 units available in this cabin.