Last updated on November 20th, 2023 at 10:49 am
In this article we listed the best surf spots in South Africa for beginners, where you can learn, practice, and improve your surfing skills.
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About Beginner Surf Beaches in South Africa
South Africa is one of the most exciting surf destinations in the world. The nature is breathtaking, the waves are consistent, and the culture is unique and different. The South African Coastline is enormous and faces both southeast and southwest. Therefore, you can always find good surf conditions here, regardless of the swell direction.
In general, surfing in South Africa is a task for experienced surfers. The cold water, the sharks, and the powerful waves make it a “hardcore” place for surfers. However, there are also many beginner surf beaches in South Africa, with small waves to play with. Therefore, anyone can ride the perfect wave for his skill level if he knows where to go.
So, in detail, these are the best surf spots in South Africa for beginners:
Ansteys, Durban
Durban is home to some of the best surf spots in South Africa. It receives consistent swells, and compared to the rest of the country, the water here is much warmer. Moreover, Durban offers an outstanding balance between surf and city life, so good restaurants, shops, and nightlife are also part of the deal here.
Although some of the waves in the city are pretty powerful, other spots are more user-friendly. For instance, Ansteys Beach, just south of town, is an excellent choice for novice surfers. The beach break here offers mellow rides over a sandy bottom. Although the waves break to both sides, the right-handers are usually longer and better.
For details about beginner surf camps in Durban, please click here.
South Beach, Durban
Addington, or by its other name “South Beach”, is one of the best surf spots in South Africa for beginners. In fact, this is where most of the surf lessons in town take place. Since this beach is sheltered by the nearby harbor, the waves are small and mellow. Even when the swell is extremely big, the more south you go on the beach, the smaller the waves will be. Here in the lineup, you will find primarily newbies and longboarders catching some waves over the sandy bottom. If you want to rent a board or take a lesson while you are here, check out Living the Dream surf school.
For details about beginner surf camps in Durban, please click here.
Muizenberg, Cape Town
Going to the other side of the country, Cape Town is the surf capital of the West Coast. Here, you can also find a huge variety of surf spots of all different kinds. Due to the shape of the cape, other beaches face different directions, so regardless of the swell and wind conditions, every day some beaches offer great surf. Note that the water in Cape Town is freezing, so make sure you have a thick wetsuit.
The most popular beach in town for beginners is definitely Muizenberg. Actually, this is probably the best beginner surf beach in South Africa. Its location inside False Bay guarantees good protection from wind and swell. Therefore, the waves are always small and soft. Right on the beach, you can also easily rent surfboards, wetsuits, and take some surf lessons.
For details about beginner surf camps in Cape Town, please click here.
Big Bay, Cape Town
Big Bay is situated north of town, precisely on the opposite side of Muizenberg. That means that when the wind is onshore in Muizenberg, it will blow offshore in Big Bay and vice versa. Therefore, when it comes to surf conditions, these two beaches complete each other. The break in Big Bay is a little steeper and has more power, but it is still beginner-friendly. It might not be ideal for newbies during big swells, but on average, swell and below, it is a wonderful surf spot for novice surfers.
For details about beginner surf camps in Cape Town, please click here.
Kings Beach, Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth is located just between Durban and Cape Town. The surf scene here is not as developed as the other two, but still, there are several world-class breaks in the area, such as the famous Jeffrey’s Bay. As for beginner surf beaches, the best option in town is Kings Beach. Inside the bay, you can ride some mellow waves over a sandy bottom. Moreover, the area has several good surf schools where you can rent a surfboard and take some lessons.
For details about beginner surf camps in South Africa, please click here.
Prepare Your Body for a Surf Trip With Online Surf Training
As a beginner surfing in South Africa, you are going to face several challenges. The waves breaking on your head, the currents, and the unstable surfboard can sometimes be tough to handle. Therefore, to make it easier on yourself, preparing your body and mind for the challenge is crucial. Here is what you can do to ensure you are in perfect shape and ready to face the ocean:
1. Take an online surf course– You can practice specific online surf exercises to work on the relevant muscles and improve your surf fitness. Check out Surf Strength Coach and Surfing Made Simple; both are great online surf programs that can help get you ready for your surf trip to South Africa.
2. Sign up for a surf camp– Why deal with the ocean alone when you can be surrounded by people just like yourself and get advice from professional surf instructors? To find the best beginner surf camps in South Africa, click here.
What Should You Bring for a Beginner Surf Trip to South Africa?
Here is a complete gear list for the perfect beginner surf vacation:
1. Sunscreen– For tropical sun, use no less than EltaMD UV.
2. Surfboard Bag– If you bring your own surfboard, you must have a good bag to protect it. Check out UCEDER, for example, which offers great value for money.
3. Surf Hat– To keep your head in the shade, try O&E Ocean and Earth Surf Hats.
4. Travel Insurance– For the best insurance by World Nomads, please click here.
5. Surf Shorts/Surf Bikinis– Check out Hurley for new shorts and CUPSHE for surf Bikinis.
6. T-shirts and beach wear– Look for the new collection at Hurley.
7. Rash Guard– Protect your body with a good rash guard like BALEAF for men and AXESEA for women.
8. Surfboard Wax– Check out Sticky Bumps on Amazon.
9. Surf Booties– You will need a good pair of surf boots only if you surf over a sharp reef or in really cold water. Check out O’Neill Split Toe Booties.
10. Surfboard Leash– It is always good to have an extra leash just in case. Check out Ho Stevie Surf Leash.
11. Towel/Poncho– If you want a nice poncho, look at SUN CUBE Surf Poncho.
For more gear options and greater selections, look for our surf gear guides.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To sum up, these are the top 5 surf spots in South Africa for beginners. As mentioned, most of the surf scene is centered in Durban and Cape Town, but you can definitely find great breaks all over the country. It is just easier to do it where you have all the facilities. The beautiful waves in South Africa attract more and more surfers each year, and yet, compared to other destinations, the lineups here are relatively uncrowded. Therefore, now is the best time to come on a South African surf journey and enjoy epic rides.
Before you go, don’t forget to check out our post about the best surf camps in South Africa, or the one about surf resorts in South Africa.
