Swartriet, South Africa

SE winds are the norm for summer with NW in the winter. The wind is channeled to blow strongest in the impact zone. Just after passing cold fronts, the wind turns South East at Swartriet while it is still blowing South West in Cape Town. Swartriet also gets a strong North wind before approaching cold fronts. The wind starts blowing here a day before the NW starts blowing in Cape Town.

A wetsuit is always needed.

Excellent waves. The swell can get quite large out here, as Swartriet is totally exposed to the Atlantic swell. Deep sea reefs refract the ocean swells resulting in two amplified peaking waves in the bay. Waves here are generally twice the size compared to Cape Town (Sunset ). The rocky points on either end prevent longshore currents that flow with the wind (e.g. no reduction in apparent wind), allowing for excellent jumping conditions. Intermediate wave sailors can sail on the windward side of the bay where the waves are small, and break on a sandy bed. Experts can sail the main peaks, but must take care of the treacherous rocks on the downwind side of the bay and the shallow reefs on the inside. On massive days it is still possible to get out on the windward side of the bay, ride a few 3/4 mast high waves, and then maybe one 1.5 mast high main peak wave. When the wind is light (early mornings), Swartriet is an excellent surfspot with consistent peaking beachbreak waves. Avoid the rocks on the Northern side of the bay. Take care of the shallow reefs on the inside.