Surfing In South Africa: 5 of the best waves on the North Coast

South Africa has long been regarded as one of the world’s most wave-rich surf destinations. Sadly, perceived political turmoil, and lagging surf infrastructure have prevented people from enjoying the country’s warm waters, perfect point-breaks and uncrowded lineups. Many of South Africa’s best surf regions remain largely undiscovered despite the country’s international acclaim. The North Coast, situated on the East Coast of South Africa, north of Durban, is one such zone.

Made up of quaint coastal towns, the North Coast is known for its coastal bush, warm water, perfect waves and the quality of its winter weather. Littered with quality right-hand beach breaks, the area has grown significantly in recent years, giving birth to a host of new cafes and restaurants while maintaining its salt-of-the-earth, laid back feel. Typical winter mornings consist of light offshore winds, warm water, clear skies and moderate temperatures between 20 - 25 Celsius. When it comes to surf, the North Coast pumps from the start of autumn all the way through to the end of Winter (April - August). Long period ground swells, born below the tip of Africa, come charging up the coast, groomed as they make the long march from Cape Town. They arrive as long, even swell-lines, producing powerful, barrelling waves. The large expanse of ocean separating Antarctica and Africa, ensures that these swells arrive with great regularity during the winter months. The pedigree of the area’s surf shines through every year when challenger series surfers come to town, consistently naming it the best stop on tour. 

01 Willards or Surfers

Willards beach, otherwise known as Surfers, is arguably the most consistent wave on the North Coast. Situated 45 minutes North of Durban, in the town of Ballito, Surfers plays host to a WSL Challenger series event. The wave, like most in the area, breaks off a spine of rocks, creating consistent, powerful waves. It offers both turns and tubes, running along a perfectly formed sand-bank before closing out on the end section. When greeted by a long period south swell, Surfers offers up the wave of a lifetime in the form of long, grinding tubes. 

02 Bog Bay

Located fifty meters south of surfers, lies another amazing surf spot.  Bog is another highly consistent setup. Breaking in a small bay, the wave peaks next to a spine of rocks, creating an A-frame right before running onto the inside sandbank. Offering up enticing sections, Bog is arguably the most ripable wave in the area. On its day, bog allows you to backdoor the peak, getting slotted before rattling off several maneuvers.

03 Tiffany’s

Tiffany’s, a highly consistent A-frame reef-break, is a short 10 minute drive from Ballito, in the neighbouring town of Salt Rock. The wave, which offers up barrels and turns, peaks on the reef before running onto sandbars. As the swell increases, Tiffany’s provides more and more tube opportunities. The A-frame peak grows hollower, allowing you to backdoor the section before rattling off a series of manoeuvres

on the inside. On smaller days, Tiffany’s is all about the turns. Taking off out the back, the wave lets you pick your direction, providing up plenty of sections as it runs towards the shore. The wave works best on the lower tide, delivering barrels and cupped-out lips.

04 Umdloti

Fitting the mould when it comes to high-quality beach breaks, Umdloti is another superb option. The most consistent setup is situated on the southern end of the beach, breaking of a small rocky point. This wave works best on a Southerly swell and is heavily reliant on good sand-bars. When the sand is right, Big Southerly swells and light winds deliver epic conditions. The wave barrels behind the rocks at the top of the point before offering a turn or two. Moving north, away from the point, there is a long, empty stretch of beach that offers up solitary peaks. The sand-bars are always changing here and it’s impossible to know where the best setup will be, but if you’re willing to scan the beach, you’re sure to find inviting peaks.

05 Thompson’s Bay

While less consistent than the other premiere waves on the North Coast, Thompson’s Bay can produce perfect surf when the elements align. The wave breaks along a short, rocky point, running into a shallow bay. Breaking on sandbars that develop in the autumn months, Thompson’s bay is one of the longer waves in the area. Some years, the sandbars hardly develop, and you’d be hard-pressed to guess where the wave breaks. Other years, waves run down the point with mechanical precision. It’s often no-good, but it’s always worth a look – you’d hate to miss it when it comes together.