Cape Town is uniquely positioned to offer surfers great conditions all year round. From point breaks to beach breaks and giant reef breaks, the Mother City has options galore, whether you’re a total noob or a seasoned pro, no matter how the wind’s blowing.
In Cape Town winter is surf season – the more powerful swells generated by winter storms sees many water babies don a wetsuit and hit the waves.
Here are some spots worth checking out:
Muizenberg
Surfer’s Corner, on the False Bay coast, is arguably the most popular haunt for local surfers. Just 30 minutes southeast of the city bowl, Muizenberg is one of Cape Town’s most frequented surf spots. Its gentle waves are perfect for beginners and are a longboarder’s paradise. Muizies, as it’s known, goes offshore in a northwesterly wind, and the small, rolling waves can be ridden almost year-round, cranking up a notch in winter swell. There are plenty of places to rent boards and wetsuits or even get a lesson or two. There is also a selection of restaurants for a post-surf bite or cup of coffee.
Milnerton Beach
Just 15 minutes north of the CBD is Milnerton beach, easily located by the towering lighthouse at Woodbridge Island, a beach break that has something for everyone. It works best in a south-to-south-easterly wind, but it can get a bit heavy for beginners. No boards for hire here, but there are some restaurants around the beach area to have a coffee after a cold surf.
Big Bay
Another beach break that offers fun for surfers of all skill levels, Big Bay is situated just north of Bloubergstrand, up the coast from Milnerton. The waves are short but fun, and it’s best surfed in a south or south-easterly wind. The spot is especially popular with kite surfers. You can rent boards and wetsuits, book a lesson at Surf Big Bay Surf School, grab an after-surf coffee or bite at one of the many restaurants.
Long Beach
For intermediate to advanced surfers, local favourite Long Beach lies southwest of the city near the laidback suburb of Kommetjie. It’s one of the most consistent breaks on the Cape Peninsula, with solid swell and a southwesterly wind delivering near-perfect waves that break both left and right. Long Beach can get big, so check the surf reports before you visit. There are no board rentals or shops on the beach, so bring your board and something to snack on.
Llandudno
This one’s for the intermediate to advanced surfers. Llandudno is another favourite among locals and is one of the most scenic breaks in the city. To get there, drive along Victoria Road, through the residential area, where you will find parking. Parking is limited, but the views more than make up for it.Llandudno is a crystal clear, hollow wave that works in a south-to-southeast wind. No board rentals here, so do bring your own surfing equipment.
Dungeons
Dungeons is a world-famous, big-wave surfing spot located off the coast of Hout Bay. Dungeons can get big, with waves of up to 60ft ridden here. As with most big waves, Dungeons only work during certain times of the year, but when the waves are pumping, you can see many spectators watching from boats as surfers on their ‘guns’ try to tame this beast.
Glen Beach
Located just beside the stunning Camps Bay, Glen Beach is a favourite playground for intermediate to advanced surfers looking for fast, powerful waves. When the surf’s up, the lineup can get busy, so be ready to share the water, and watch out for the rocks and occasional shark sightings. The best time to catch consistent, clean waves at Glen Beach is in autumn, with April often serving up perfect rideable swells and light offshore winds.
Surf Lessons
If you are looking for surf schools, here are some to consider:
NexGen Surf
Located in Muizenberg, NexGen Surf offers surf lessons, equipment rentals like boards to wetsuits, immersive multi-day surfing experiences, and private coaching.
Visit: nexgensurf.co.za
Surf Emporium
Surf Emporium, located on the Muizenberg beachfront at Surfers Corner, is an accredited Surf and SUP School, high quality equipment rental hub, and retailer of leading Surf and SUP brands all under one roof. Surf Emporium is also the only officially Surfing South Africa accredited Adaptive Surf School in South Africa, offering regular surf clinics and group or private adaptive surfing lessons.
Website: surfemporium.co.za/
Surf Big Bay Surf School
Located in Bloubergstrand, you can enjoy thrilling group and private lessons for all skill levels. Kids aged 5 and up are also welcome. Each 90-minute lesson includes everything you need: surfboards, wetsuits, and expert guidance. Most beginners catch their first wave within a single session.
Website: capetownsurflessons.co.za/
Surf Safety in Cape Town
Cape Town offers some of the best waves in the world, but it’s important to stay safe while enjoying them.
Here are a few tips:
Know your limits: Many breaks (like Dungeons and Long Beach) are powerful and best left to experienced surfers. Try not to challenge yourself in conditions you are not familiar with.
Check conditions: Always check the local surf report and be aware of swell direction, wind, tides, and rip currents.
No lifeguards at most spots: Surf with a buddy and avoid going out alone, especially in remote locations.
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