Elands Bay

Elands Bay works as a left-hand point break that peels down a rocky shelf covered in kelp, transitioning to sand near the river mouth. The hollow take-off feeds into a long, walling section capable of running around 150 meters under the right conditions. It needs solid southwest to northwest swell of at least 4 feet, with southeast wind working best to keep the face clean. The wave performs better at mid to high tide; low tide can make entry and exit difficult over the sharp, slippery rocks. This is firmly intermediate-to-advanced terrain—the hollow sections and powerful wall make it unsuitable for beginners.

Elands Bay entered the documented surf consciousness in 1965 with a feature article titled "Goofyfooter's Paradise" as explorers began mapping the West Coast's wave potential. It has since established itself as a world-class point break that has managed to resist the commercialization that has touched many other top-tier South African locations, retaining a more local and underdeveloped character.

The bay lies about 220 kilometers north of Cape Town on the West Coast. Free parking is available near the break, and access is straightforward. Booties are essential given the sharp, kelp-covered rocks, and the water temperature requires cold-water protection year-round. Peak season runs from autumn through early winter, particularly March through October, when consistent southwest swells and favorable wind patterns deliver the most reliable sessions.