Coffee Bay it is, in the heart of the Transkei which is also commonly referred to as the 'homelands'. This part of the country was prominent in South Africa's darker apartheid days when the Transkei was the only area where 'black' people cour roam freely. The irony of this is that it is probably the most beautiful part of South Africa. With endless hills, winding rivers and an amazing coastline it truly is breathtaking.
Coffee Bay is of course on the coast, and about an hour and a half outside the main city of Umtata. We really are in the middle of nowhere there, and aside from the backpackers which caters for your every desire, there are no supermarkets or doctors around the corner. The internet is via satellite and in general life just slows down in Coffee Bay. It has its own rules and way of doing things and best you just relax into it, but don't let yourself get carried away as you may never come back!
For us of course, it was all about the waves at Coffee Bay and we got lucky! We started off with solid swell which was a big shock to everyone! It wasn't huge but with the odd bigger set it was enough to get the adrenaline flowing and for the odd set to wash eveyone in. The flip side of that of course is that when you do get one their is added reward! From there on out the waves got slightly smaller but the wind stayed favourable and we had plenty of good sessions. The water was warmer too and the guys had their first few surfs in boardshorts.
Coffee Shack where we stay really does a good job entertaining us too, with sundowners, dancing or singing most evenings, great food throughout, and the odd party in the bar as well as really friendly staff you really feel welcome there. For now you can flick through the photos of the surfing and coffee bay, with more coming soon of the walk to Hole in the Wall, a real spectacle.
Sala Kakuhle ('Stay well' in Xhosa, the language spoken in the area and much of South Africa)
Chris