Hottentot Bay

Hottentot Bay is a powerful, fast-breaking point break over shallow reef that demands experience and commitment. It requires a minimum of 5 feet of swell to peel properly down the point, at which size the takeoff becomes particularly sharp and demanding. The wave extends long into deeper water before dissipating, which aids paddling access despite the shallow reef start. High to mid tide conditions produce the most consistent, rideable peaks.

Access requires a boat because all breaks on this section of the Skeleton Coast lie within diamond mining concession areas. The shallow reef presents the primary hazard, compounded by sea urchins, strong rips, and the region's known shark presence. Water temperatures around 13°C demand a 4/3mm full suit. The Namibian summer months of January through March offer the most consistent swell windows.