Cape Town is a surfer’s paradise, offering great surfing conditions – practically year-round, and especially in winter. Whether you are a novice, a pro, or somewhere in between, you’ll find a point break, beach break or reef break to suit. Just don’t forget your wetsuit (or rent one).
Muizenberg
Widely known as Surfer’s Corner, False Bay’s Muizenberg is one of Cape Town’s most famous spots to hit the waves, which are perfect for beginners year-round – and are a longboarder’s dream. Rent a board and wetsuit (an absolute essential if you don’t want your body to turn into an ice block) and dive right in – or join one of the several surf courses on offer to learn the basics. Muizies is also home to some great bohemian cafés and restaurants for a post-surf bit – we recommend Knead and Harvest Café, as well as Tiger’s Milk for more substantial fare.
Long Beach
One thing that Cape Town’s surf spots struggle with is consistency – many hours are spent checking the swell and making guesses as to the waves’ suitability. Not so on Long Beach. Located south-west of the city in the sleepy town on Kommetjie, this beauty of a beach – a local favourite – has some of the most reliable, near-perfect waves in the Cape Peninsula, thanks to a decent swell and southwesterly wind. This also means that it’s most suited to intermediate or advanced surfers – check the surf report before heading out, and make sure to bring your own board, wetsuit, and snacks.
Llandudno
Llundadno, between Camps Bay and Hout Bay, is renowned as one of the Mother City’s most beautiful beaches, thanks to a gorgeous white stretch of sand and glorious mountain backdrop. Its beach break also makes it a surfer’s paradise – the powerful tides and high peaks present an exciting challenge for intermediate to advanced surfers. When Cape Town’s famous southeasterly isn’t blowing and the banks are in place, the time is right to put your wetsuit on and wade into the crystal-clear water. Its one disadvantage? Parking can be a nightmare, so get there super early.
Blouberg
Cape Town’s top kitesurfing spot, Blouberg is the place to be in summer – if you’re a fan, try to coincide your trip with Red Bull’s King of the Air competition, which takes place each year at the end of November/beginning of December, and attracts the crème de la crème of kitesurfers from around the world. If you are new to kitesurfing and are worried you might get carried away by a strong gust of wind, book a lesson (or two) first. Stretching on for miles, Blouberg is also famous for its picture-perfect views of Table Mountain, making it a noteworthy beach even if you don’t feel like being hoisted up into the air.
