2 years late to the party, but I am a surf Instructor for many years at Muizenberg, so here is some more info (essay), to help your viewers. The Berg (Muizies) is one of the easiest places to learn to surf, and improve your surfing, as the wave breaks the same way no matter the size, and there are literally no hazards (rocks, major rip currents, etc), other than your fellow beginners (Also has a beginner/learner-friendly vibe in the water, mostly, as many surfers know that the majority of the people are just starting their surfing journey). The shark issue is overhyped, as there hasn't been an attack here for 10 years already! There are way sharkier spots nearby though. The wave lends itself to longboard-style surfing, but can get much bigger than you expect, or will ever hear locals admit (usually in winter). It works best on a big, long period (14-16 seconds) south-west (direction) groundswell, with almost any strength (if you are brave enough) north or westerly wind. Ideal is a light north-west wind (off-shore trade wind in winter [June/July], except for El Nino years). Alternatively, it can also fire on a south-east swell (usually from a distant tropical cyclone off the coast of Mozambique, pushing down to us), or a rare southerly swell. The last 2 swells usually do not have favourable winds when they occur. Water temps vary, but it can get down to 12/13 degrees Celsius, but is usually in the 15-17 degree range. 4/3 full-suit and you should be fine all day. Different spot now: Long beach, Kommetjie is a slightly more advanced level wave and is a VERY different vibe if it is a good day (not always friendly, more competitive). It also has a much more powerful wave and is actually split into several different waves/spots. Main peak (a left) is ok for a bigger day and for intermediate level, but you will need to be able to at least turtle roll or know how to duck-dive successfully if you want to get the bigger set waves. You will definitely be competing for a wave. Nobody will just let you have it. It is also one of the only spots that works on the dreaded straight south wind (which destroys all other spots on the Cape peninsula). Best on a light to moderate south-east wind (summer trade wind), and it can barrel. The beach faces almost directly north, so westerly swell and big (3m-4m, 10-15ft) south-west swells are the way to go. Gets a bit crazier in winter, as the wind accompanying those giant (4m-6m, 15-20ft) winter swells is usually straight onshore (North Westerly). Water temp can get down to +/-10 degrees Celsius, mainly in the summer. Winter it hovers around 12/13. There are way better, uncrowded spots nearby. There are also actually 6 surf spots right in Cape Town itself, but 3 are for pro/kamikaze/super-advanced level and the other 3 are on the highly advanced side of intermediate. One of the advanced intermediate spots also doesn't work that often, and the ocean has to be intimidatingly big before the wave reveals itself. (For example, it also faces north, so you need an ocean swell of at least 10+ feet, (3+m swell), before it breaks. You also need to be comfortable with jumping off rocks and navigating kelp (type of seaweed, brown, looks almost like palm trees underwater). And the water is also cold. And often polluted. Booties, 4/3 full-suit, hood recommended. If you want to know more, just respond to this comment and I will happily respond about the +/-50 spots that surround the 85kms of the Cape peninsula, how they break, when they break, and when they are best. We are blessed with almost 365 days of swell, with 2 trade winds, which means it's always offshore somewhere. Best to make friends with a local. Happy swell chasing.
@@kiezpanorama Spots vary tremendously, skill level and conditions-wise. We have a peninsula, so there are many spots to choose from. The spots I mentioned are all beginner friendly, but there much more advanced and good intermediate level spots close by to each one. For instance, depending on the swell direction, and tide, you can walk/drive from Muizenberg to Kalk Bay (20 minute walk) and you will have 2-3 high-level intermediate reef breaks, 2 that barrel on take-off. If you are here during winter and we get a big storm and big SW swell, some semi-secret spots a bit further on start to work too. That is all on the False bay "Indian ocean side" (traditionally warmer water). Atlantic side is colder, slightly wilder and usually a bit less crowded. Lots to choose from, depending on your level of stoke and keenness.
@marc94KG Hi Marc. Jan tends to be a bit windy, with the onshore trade wind (South Easter) blowing almost every afternoon. It's still OK to learn, but not that pleasant if you are intermediate or advanced. The water temp is warm-ish then on the Indian Ocean side (False bay), but the swell size is usually much smaller than winter, and most of it is just wind swell and not ground swell. So it doesn't have that aweaome power behind it that you get addicted to when surfing here in winter. Still, the Atlantic Ocean is then groomed by that same offshore trade wind (even tho the swell will be relatively small), so that becomes fun. But it is usually much colder temperatures in the water. Think 4/3, fullsuit, booties, goodies, even gloves. So Muizenberg not great, but definitely surface. Other side of the peninsula will be better, but colder.
@@jameslangridge1674 Hi James, thank you very much for the detailed answer. I am a beginner, as I only had a few surf lessons before. And I would prefer warm water. So I guess I would prefer going to Muizenberg (False Bay). How warm is the water there in January? Can you surf without a wet suit?
If you bodyboard a nice spot in cape town is Sandy Bay, it is an official nudist beach but also a short paddle to the backline. A route me and my mates like to follow since we live in the Southern Suburbs in CT for summertime is Noordhoek>Kommetjie>Witsands>Scarborough and winter Glencairn>Fish hoek
Love this vlog! I surf on the East Coast of the US, in the Atlantic in the winter, so I feel you on the cold water & wetsuit. We are in 3/2's even in summer :( Subbed!
There is a seal that you'll see quite often when surfing/kitesurfing in Big Bay. I'm pretty sure it's the same seal that came knocking on Pakalolo's door one stormy morning Other than that I've never come across a shark in all these years at Big Bay
There is a seal that you'll see quite often when surfing/kitesurfing in Big Bay. I'm pretty sure it's the same seal that came knocking on Pakalolo's door one stormy morning🤭 Other than that I've never come across a shark in all these years at Big Bay
2 years late to the party, but I am a surf Instructor for many years at Muizenberg, so here is some more info (essay), to help your viewers. The Berg (Muizies) is one of the easiest places to learn to surf, and improve your surfing, as the wave breaks the same way no matter the size, and there are literally no hazards (rocks, major rip currents, etc), other than your fellow beginners (Also has a beginner/learner-friendly vibe in the water, mostly, as many surfers know that the majority of the people are just starting their surfing journey). The shark issue is overhyped, as there hasn't been an attack here for 10 years already! There are way sharkier spots nearby though. The wave lends itself to longboard-style surfing, but can get much bigger than you expect, or will ever hear locals admit (usually in winter). It works best on a big, long period (14-16 seconds) south-west (direction) groundswell, with almost any strength (if you are brave enough) north or westerly wind. Ideal is a light north-west wind (off-shore trade wind in winter [June/July], except for El Nino years). Alternatively, it can also fire on a south-east swell (usually from a distant tropical cyclone off the coast of Mozambique, pushing down to us), or a rare southerly swell. The last 2 swells usually do not have favourable winds when they occur. Water temps vary, but it can get down to 12/13 degrees Celsius, but is usually in the 15-17 degree range. 4/3 full-suit and you should be fine all day. Different spot now: Long beach, Kommetjie is a slightly more advanced level wave and is a VERY different vibe if it is a good day (not always friendly, more competitive). It also has a much more powerful wave and is actually split into several different waves/spots. Main peak (a left) is ok for a bigger day and for intermediate level, but you will need to be able to at least turtle roll or know how to duck-dive successfully if you want to get the bigger set waves. You will definitely be competing for a wave. Nobody will just let you have it. It is also one of the only spots that works on the dreaded straight south wind (which destroys all other spots on the Cape peninsula). Best on a light to moderate south-east wind (summer trade wind), and it can barrel. The beach faces almost directly north, so westerly swell and big (3m-4m, 10-15ft) south-west swells are the way to go. Gets a bit crazier in winter, as the wind accompanying those giant (4m-6m, 15-20ft) winter swells is usually straight onshore (North Westerly). Water temp can get down to +/-10 degrees Celsius, mainly in the summer. Winter it hovers around 12/13. There are way better, uncrowded spots nearby. There are also actually 6 surf spots right in Cape Town itself, but 3 are for pro/kamikaze/super-advanced level and the other 3 are on the highly advanced side of intermediate. One of the advanced intermediate spots also doesn't work that often, and the ocean has to be intimidatingly big before the wave reveals itself. (For example, it also faces north, so you need an ocean swell of at least 10+ feet, (3+m swell), before it breaks. You also need to be comfortable with jumping off rocks and navigating kelp (type of seaweed, brown, looks almost like palm trees underwater). And the water is also cold. And often polluted. Booties, 4/3 full-suit, hood recommended. If you want to know more, just respond to this comment and I will happily respond about the +/-50 spots that surround the 85kms of the Cape peninsula, how they break, when they break, and when they are best. We are blessed with almost 365 days of swell, with 2 trade winds, which means it's always offshore somewhere. Best to make friends with a local. Happy swell chasing.
would love to have some more insider infos on the spots around! Im surfing since 7 years so intermediate level im planning to travel with 3 Boards
@@kiezpanorama Spots vary tremendously, skill level and conditions-wise. We have a peninsula, so there are many spots to choose from. The spots I mentioned are all beginner friendly, but there much more advanced and good intermediate level spots close by to each one. For instance, depending on the swell direction, and tide, you can walk/drive from Muizenberg to Kalk Bay (20 minute walk) and you will have 2-3 high-level intermediate reef breaks, 2 that barrel on take-off. If you are here during winter and we get a big storm and big SW swell, some semi-secret spots a bit further on start to work too. That is all on the False bay "Indian ocean side" (traditionally warmer water). Atlantic side is colder, slightly wilder and usually a bit less crowded. Lots to choose from, depending on your level of stoke and keenness.
@@jameslangridge1674 Hi James. Is January a good time to surf on Muizenberg Beach?
@marc94KG Hi Marc. Jan tends to be a bit windy, with the onshore trade wind (South Easter) blowing almost every afternoon. It's still OK to learn, but not that pleasant if you are intermediate or advanced. The water temp is warm-ish then on the Indian Ocean side (False bay), but the swell size is usually much smaller than winter, and most of it is just wind swell and not ground swell. So it doesn't have that aweaome power behind it that you get addicted to when surfing here in winter. Still, the Atlantic Ocean is then groomed by that same offshore trade wind (even tho the swell will be relatively small), so that becomes fun. But it is usually much colder temperatures in the water. Think 4/3, fullsuit, booties, goodies, even gloves. So Muizenberg not great, but definitely surface. Other side of the peninsula will be better, but colder.
@@jameslangridge1674 Hi James, thank you very much for the detailed answer. I am a beginner, as I only had a few surf lessons before. And I would prefer warm water. So I guess I would prefer going to Muizenberg (False Bay). How warm is the water there in January? Can you surf without a wet suit?
You are literally so underrated and I’m UPSET ABOUT IT!!
I loved those scencic shots of Cape town!! It looks incredible! and I'm also guilty of not rewaxing my board until it's brown lol!
This is making me miss home so much - lekker video!!
If you bodyboard a nice spot in cape town is Sandy Bay, it is an official nudist beach but also a short paddle to the backline. A route me and my mates like to follow since we live in the Southern Suburbs in CT for summertime is Noordhoek>Kommetjie>Witsands>Scarborough and winter Glencairn>Fish hoek
Tolles Video, ihr seid SO gut geworden! Freu mich so, im Mai eeendlich mal wieder zu surfen!
BEEN waiting for this one! 🤩
so helpful! thanks!🫶🏼
Nice that you enjoy our city ☀️
You need to come to San Clemente!! It’s the best place in the world ❤️
Love this vlog! I surf on the East Coast of the US, in the Atlantic in the winter, so I feel you on the cold water & wetsuit. We are in 3/2's even in summer :( Subbed!
Nice blog! Thanks for posting.
There is a seal that you'll see quite often when surfing/kitesurfing in Big Bay. I'm pretty sure it's the same seal that came knocking on Pakalolo's door one stormy morning
Other than that I've never come across a shark in all these years at Big Bay
where is your cord cap from???? so nice!
Love this video!! Cape Town is so pretty. What is your favorite part about it?
What are the best Surfing Months in Cape Town? Is it possible to catch some good waves in Novembre or Decembre .. I am a beginner btw :)
There is a seal that you'll see quite often when surfing/kitesurfing in Big Bay. I'm pretty sure it's the same seal that came knocking on Pakalolo's door one stormy morning🤭
Other than that I've never come across a shark in all these years at Big Bay
Brava
Cape Town…..any Bronzies swimming around?
Nope
when puddling for the wave, keep your legs in straight position ;)
Cool show. Sexy surfer girl. 😂 Love it.
How long is your usual surfing session? Sounds like a shivering event. 👍
Unfortunately ALL of Cape Town is sharky… big, submarine like Great Whites. At your own risk.
Been dangling my legs at the Reef in Kalk Bay since 1976....never seen a shark to date.