The best beginner surf spots in Cape Town

Introduction

Looking for beginner surf spots in Cape Town? Look no further! Cape Town, with its stunning coastline and vibrant surf culture, is a fantastic place to learn how to surf. For beginners eager to catch their first waves, Muizenberg and Big Bay stand out as ideal surf spots. Both beaches have gentle waves, surf schools nearby, and a welcoming and forgiving atmosphere to help you catch your first waves and develop your skills. Here’s everything you need to know about these two beginner surf spots in Cape Town.

The best beginner surf spots in Cape Town

1. Muizenberg

Muizenberg is the most popular beginner surf spot in Cape Town. This surf spot has long, gentle waves and a sandy bottom which is perfect for beginners. Muizenberg is known to be a beginner surf spot, so the people surfing here are welcoming and understanding towards beginners.

There are several surf shops, surf schools, and surf rentals in the area. When I surfed in Muizenberg, I took a 2-hour private surf lesson with Surf Emporium, which cost around €25. My instructor was fantastic; he didn’t just hand me any surfboard. Instead, he carefully assessed my skill level to ensure I got the right board, offered useful tips, and pushed me to improve.

Don’t forget to go by the colorful beach huts while surfing at Muizenberg, which Muizenberg beach is famous for!

What to expect

Wave quality: Muizenberg offers consistent, gentle waves that are perfect for longboards and beginner surfers.
Crowd level: It can get busy, especially during weekends and the summer season, but the large beach ensures plenty of space.
Facilities: The area is well-equipped with numerous surf schools, rental shops, and beachfront cafes, making it easy to find lessons and gear.
Best time to surf: Muizenberg is suitable for beginners throughout the year due to its consistent, gentle waves. Mornings tend to be less crowded, offering a more relaxed surfing session.

The best surf conditions

According to Surfline, the below conditions are ideal for surfing at Muizenberg. Want to learn how to read a surf forecast on Surfline? Then check out this article.

Swell direction: SW, S, E
Wind direction: NW, SW
Surf height: Thigh high to 3 feet overhead.
Tide condition: When the waves are small and clean, low tide provides long, peeling walls that are perfect for longboarding and beginners. As the swell picks up, high tide becomes ideal for shortboarders looking to catch more powerful, inside waves.

2. Big Bay

Big Bay, situated near Bloubergstrand, is one of the best beginner surf spots in Cape Town. When surfing at Big bay you are blessed with stunning views of Table Mountain and a more spacious and relaxed surfing environment compared to some of the busier beaches, like Muizenberg.

What to expect

Wave quality: The waves at Big Bay are generally small to medium in size, making this spot one of the best beginner surf spots in Cape Town.
Crowd level: While it can be popular, Big Bay’s expansive beach area provides plenty of room for everyone.
Facilities: There are surf schools, gear rental shops, and a variety of cafes and eateries nearby, ensuring you have everything you need for a great day on the water.
Best time to surf: The summer months from November to March offer the most consistent conditions for beginner surfers. Surfing mid to late morning is often best as the wind usually picks up in the afternoon, creating choppier conditions. Early mornings can also be good, but sometimes the winds are still too strong from the night

The best surf conditions

According to wannaSurf, the below conditions are ideal for surfing at Big Bay. Want to learn how to read a surf forecast? Then check out this article.

Swell direction: E, NE
Wind direction: SE, E
Swell size: Starts working at less than 3ft (1 meter) and holds up to 12ft (4 meters)
Tide condition: All tides

The best beginner surf spots in Cape Town

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Introduction