Last updated on February 11th, 2024 at 08:45 am
If you plan to surf in Durban, you came to the right place. In this surf guide, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including surf seasons, surfer tips, and the best surf spots in Durban, South Africa.
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About Surfing in Durban, South Africa
When surfers talk about South Africa, they usually refer to Jeffrey’s Bay or Cape Town, and surfing in Durban is not even on their checklist. However, those familiar with Durban’s surf scene understand how absurd that is, as Durban is an incredible surf destination. In fact, some of the best surf spots in the country are found in Durban. Moreover, Durban produced some of the best professional surfers in the world, from Shaun Tomson to Jordy Smith, and many others. That should definitely tell you something about the quality of the surf in Durban.
Durban is situated on the East Coast of South Africa. As a big city, it offers visitors any urban entertainment you can think of. From shops to restaurants and great nightlife, everything is available here. Moreover, the center of town is right on the beach, making it even more fun, especially if you are on a surf trip.
Durban got its nickname “Surf City” for a good reason. It is exposed to powerful swells from Antarctica and the Indian Ocean. Therefore, when surfing in Durban, you can enjoy consistent waves and a great variety of high-quality breaks. Sure, sometimes it’s crowded, and sometimes it’s windy, but most of the time, the surf conditions are absolutely perfect. Moreover, most of the beaches in Durban have shark nets, which makes it the safest place to surf in South Africa.
Surf Seasons in Durban
The best time to surf Durban is between April and September. During these winter months, the south swells hit the shore with perfect angle and great consistency.
If you are after giant waves, come at the peak of the South African winter, between June and August. However, if you are a beginner or intermediate, you can also surf in Durban in the other months. Sure, it will not be as consistent, but you will always find something to ride on.
The weather in Durban is subtropical. That means the sun is up most days, and the temperatures range around 20-30°C (68-86°F) during summer and 15-22°C (50 -68°F) during winter.
Luckily, the water temperature in Durban is much warmer than on the West Coast. In fact, it ranges from 20°C (68°F) during winter to 25(77°F) during summer. Therefore, a long 3/2 wetsuit is required only in winter (from June to August). Otherwise, a spring suit or even a pair of shorts will do.
Surf Spots in Durban
When surfing in Durban, you have plenty of surf spots to choose from. While some are just in front of town, others require a short drive. Your skill level and the swell size are the most important factors when choosing your break. So, in detail, these are the main surf spots in Durban:
Cave Rock:
Just a bit south of the Harbor, Cave Rock is a world-class break. Actually, it is one of the best surf spots in the entire country. The break is split into 2 different waves. First, you have The Pool, which offers a thick and massive barrel ride just behind the tide pool. Then, The Rock is the second section, offering a fast ride over a shallow reef. Both breaks are challenging and, therefore, recommended for advanced surfers only.
Ansteys:
You will find this beach break about 1 KM south of Cave Rock. Unlike Cave Rock, the waves here are much softer and easy to ride. Therefore, the lineup is always packed with longboarders and intermediate surfers. Even though both rights and lefts are available, the rights tend to be longer and better.
Brighton Beach:
South of Ansteys, in the Bluff area, Brighton Beach is absolutely a swell magnet. Along this beach strip, you will find multiple peaks. While some break over a sandy bottom, others crush over a shallow reef. On small days, when other spots are flat, you can come here and find surfable waves.
Treasure Beach:
Even further south from Brighton Beach, here you can find an aggressive beach break. The waves here are hollow and powerful, so this is not the place for newbies. Seems like you can find the best barrels during low to mid-tide. Get ready for a steep drop, as wipeouts are a common sight here.
New Pier:
Just in front of town, this break offers a tremendous right-hand ride. It used to be better in the past and changed due to sand movement, but still, it is definitely a wave you want to ride. On a good day, you can get fast tube rides, especially during low tide.
North Beach:
Head north from the New Pier, and you will find this great spot. On one hand, the waves here are much more consistent, but on the other, it is mega crowded. Seems like everybody loves to surf here, maybe because of the easy paddle out due to the current of the pier. The waves at North Beach have a beautiful shape, and they are suitable for all skill levels.
Wedge Beach:
This spot is situated just south of the New Pier. Unlike most of the breaks in the area, this beach break offers a left ride, so it is perfect for goofy footers. When the swell is small, this wave is very easy to ride, but on the big days, you can expect challenging tube rides.
South Beach:
The south beach of Durban is the perfect place to take surf lessons. This area is protected from the big swells and, therefore, suitable for beginners. Moreover, when a massive swell hits and other spots are too big, South Beach offers excellent surf for advanced surfers, too.
Flowrider:
Unlike the other surf spots in Durban, this one is not even in the ocean. It is a wave pool located in the Wave Park Gateway just north of town. Sure, it is just a static wave breaking over some rubber, but they built it as a perfect barrel, and that’s a lot of fun. Therefore, you might as well experience this wave, as it is unlike anything you have ever seen.
Can Beginners Surf in Durban?
Yes, definitely!
South Beach, for instance, is the ultimate beginner spot. It offers a soft break over a sandy bottom, and many surf lessons take place here. The break at Ansteys is also beginner-friendly, offering easy and slow waves.
Luckily, the area is abundant with a wide variety of surf spots, so surfers of all skill levels can surf in Durban.
Surf Camps in Durban
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world or even an intermediate seeking improvement, you can explore Durban’s surf scene at a surf camp. These are the most recommended ones in town:
1. Pumula Surf Camp.
2. Stebel Rocks Surf Camp.
3. Living The Dream Surf School.
For more details about surf camps in Durban, please click here.
Surf Hotels in Durban
When coming to surf in Durban, you want to make sure you stay in the right place, which means as close as possible to the best waves. So, these are some of the most recommended surf hotels in town:
1. The Oyster Box– Overlooking the Umhlanga Lighthouse and Indian Ocean, The Oyster Box offers 2 outdoor pools, an award-winning spa, and free WiFi. Gateway Shopping Centre is 2 km away.
2. Quayside 1001 Durban Point– Situated in Durban, just a 6-minute walk from the Marine World, Quayside 1001 Durban Point features beachfront accommodation with a casino nearby, an outdoor swimming pool, barbecue facilities, and free WiFi. This apartment is 2.1 km from Marine Parade.
3. The Tides Inn– Offering magnificent sea views, The Tides Inn is located south of Durban and 20 minutes drive from the city center. Free WiFi is available.
For more surf hotels in Durban, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Durban- Travel Information
Language– English, Zulu.
Population– over 3 million.
Currency– Rand.
Calling code– +27.
Time zone– GMT +2.
Pros– consistent waves, variety of surf spots.
Cons– cold water, sharks in some areas.
Conclusion- A Final Thought
To sum up, Durban is definitely an underrated surf destination. Although it is not as perfect as other famous spots, the surf here is surprisingly good. With such a variety of breaks and great urban facilities, Durban is a place any surfer should want to visit.
We hope you liked this surf guide to Durban. Have a great surf trip!
