Surfing on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast
The KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the country. It has plentiful sand-bottom point-breaks, which makes for some world-class surf spots. The South Coast is peaceful and green, and tends to attract surfers who don’t like surfing in crowds. In Winter, when the swell comes alive, the South Coast is a world-class surfing destination.
Amanzimtoti
There are some epic waves at ‘Toti’. It is a great spot to surf in the early mornings. Don’t surf alone though, as this is a popular spot for shark populations.
Green Point
This is one of the South Coast’s classic right-hand point-breaks. It needs a medium, south swell to function. There are no shark nets here, so be careful and make sure you surf with a buddy.
Scottburgh
The waves here can get really epic and long walls and thick barrels can be surfed here on the right day. The jump-off can be a little tricky as the swell pushes in, so be careful not to land on your bum on the sand in front of a lot of other surfers.
Umzumbe
This is another one of the South Coast’s fine point breaks. It definitely has world-class potential. If you are lucky enough to catch this wave when it’s on, it will blow your mind away. Just south of Umzumbe you will find Banana Beach, a right sand-bottomed point break that runs off an outcrop of rocks. One of the best spots on the coast.
St Michael’s-on-Sea
This is the mecca of South Coast surfing. The waves are consistent and are always rippable. It offers riders a long wall and often thick barrels. This spot holds many contests, including the SA Champs and SA Masters Champs. Nicknamed St. Mikes by surfers it is a reef point break and sandbar rolled into one.
Southbroom
This spot is a little bit underrated. The wave can get crowded, but when it’s big, there tend to be less surfers, so if you’re keen, you’ll head out then. It is a beautiful spot and and ideal getaway.
Mfazazana
About 5km south of Mtwalume, in a rural Zulu community, is one of the top surf spots on the coast is Mfazazana called The Spot by surfers. This is a typical South Coast point set-up with a river at the bottom and sand along the point. The point break sticks out to sea more than most South Coast points and likes light west and deep south to south-west groundswell. Watch out for sharks.
Happy Wanderers
Another top spot near Kelso on the Hibiscus Coast. The surf runs of a short reef point before linking up with shifting sandbars. When the banks are lined up you can get long walls with amazing tubes. When conditions are right you can get breaks up to 8 feet.
Tips for Surfers:
- The Natal waters are warm all year round
- There are a few big wave spots on the South Coast. St Michael’s-on-Sea is one of them
- Many spots on the South Coast don’t have shark nets. The shark population is fairly high and the risk is great. Stay away from murky river mouths and don’t surf at dawn or dusk.
Getting there: the South Coast is the stretch of coastline south of Durban on the N2. It includes places like Amanzimtoti, Southbroom, Umkomaas and St Michael’s-on-Sea.
More info on the town of Umzinto | More info on the Umdoni Coast area |
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