Learning to surf for most people usually ends up being a way more challenging task than they had originally thought out, I mean we’ve all been to the beach or seen pictures and videos of guys/girls cruising along a perfectly peeling clear blue wave on a sunny day and thought “That looks fun, how hard can it be?”
The answer varies but for most people, I’d say it is a challenge they under-estimate, but a challenge with epic reward. We’ve been running tours, lessons and surf adventures for just over a decade now and we’ve learnt a thing or two in that time about how to achieve the most improvement in the shortest space of time for out and out beginners as well as intermediate surfers. A big part of their progression comes from surfing waves that are conducive to improving, waves that best accommodate your skill level and objectives. Since we mainly work with people with very limited surfing experience, the spots we select for our lessons are ones we would also recommend to the general beginner surfer. Here are 4 waves in Cape Town that we generally surf that are excellent starting points for any surfer.
Muizenberg
Probably the best beginner or ‘learn to surf’ wave in the world that we’ve been to and it’s why we strategically base ourselves here for the duration of our 2-week stay in Cape Town, don’t be fooled though there is a lot of value in this wave for intermediate surfers as well. Generally regarded as a Longboarders wave this flat sand bottom wave in False Bay is the perfect place for us as coaches to assess our riders abilities and set them on their way to being fully fledged independent surfers. If you’re wanting to learn how to surf or you’re just a beginner trying to find your feet we recommend Muizenberg with it’s vibey beachfront, lifeguards on duty, shark spotters, surf schools and surf shops littered across the beachfront. It’s an easy place to pick up a rental board and wetsuit and get in the water for your first attempt at surfing, you wouldn’t be out of place either with plenty other people in the water also trying their hand at this fast growing sport, we’d recommend you try out a session or two with one of the local surf coaches before you try going out on your own, the right information and equipment is vital for beginners in this sport. Crowds are the only real concern at Muizenberg beach and on any given day you could get hundreds of guys in the water (people in Cape Town don’t work it seems).
Big Bay
Much like Muizenberg beach, Big Bay is also a great spot for complete novice surfers. You could say it is almost the Atlantic’s equivalent to Muizenberg with its user-friendly waves, vibey beachfront, lifeguards and the like. Big Bay, however, does offer more in terms of power, it gets a bit more swell than False Bay and the wave stands up a bit steeper, it is the perfect stepping stone up from Muizenberg on your way to being an established surfer, great options for when Muizenberg is onshore. Other factors that also come into play at Big Bay are rocks and rip currents, the rocks are situated on either end of the beach but the wave itself is sand-bottomed. Rip currents aren’t too strong but they are present so best be aware of how you drift in the line-up. The water is also a bit colder than that of Muizenberg so be sure to pack a good wetsuit. Another major factor in Big Bay is the wind, it can get really windy on this side of the world and it is a hub for wind and kite surfers alike, our sessions there ended up being a lot windier than we would have liked but they were productive none the less, there is always something to learn or achieve out in the water regardless of conditions.
Long Beach, Kommetjie
Probably a wave for mostly intermediate to experienced surfers, it is also an option for the more savvy beginner looking to really test themselves. It’s best to go on a quieter weekday when there is less competition at the peak for a wave to ensure you have a comfortable time out in the water. On smaller days it is very manageable but also offers many new challenges for beginners. Surf etiquette is a necessity here unlike Muizenberg and Big Bay where it is to a lesser extent because at Long Beach you’re likely to be surfing amongst a few really good surfers and it is important that you respect the rules of the line-up and respect the locals. On our visit to Long Beach, we were fortunate enough to have the line-up mostly to ourselves as it was a weekday and the whole crew had to get used to the peak and priority system. Long beach also has quite a shallow shore break at times so it was interesting watching the crew manage that. It is also a much steeper and quicker wave than what the guys had become accustomed to at Muizenberg so it was a great opportunity to refine their pop-ups and aim at being more clinical in their execution. Another cold water spot with a minimal rip current, there are rocks over to the left of the break and scattered kelp at times. Long Beach can get quite sizes so be sure to pick your day and it’s best you have a more experienced surfer familiar with the spot accompanying you on this one.
Witsands Corner, Misty Cliffs
Just around the corner from Long Beach, you’ll find Witsands, when the North Wester is blowing and there aren’t any waves at Muizenberg the next best place you can head to as a beginner to intermediate surfer is Witsands corner. From high up the hill, the conditions may sometimes look small but once down on the white beach, you’ll find it to be quite different. The general area is very rural with no facilities nearby, the waves can get very big and rip currents are a real threat here, but on small days it can be quite an amazing wave if the sandbanks are good, otherwise it can get a bit dumpy but like I said before there is always something you can work on out in the water. Another cold water sand bottomed wave perfect for testing yourself on. On a day where the North Wester was blowing and Muizenberg was small and crowded we took our crew down to Witsands corner, it was admittedly quite a step up for most of the guys but they still enjoyed themselves, The steep and sometimes barrelling waves really tested all that they had learnt up until now on a day where they either got the beating of their life or the wave of their life. The scenery is amazing and we recommend you go and experience it for yourself.
Here’s a little clip I’ve put together of some of our surfing in Cape Town.
Cape Town has been a great host to us, we head on up the east coast now but with fond memories of our time there. If you’re in Cape Town and wanting to learn how to surf or just looking for a fun wave we recommend you head on down to any one of these spots.
Until next time
