Continent |
Africa |
Country |
South Africa |
Next Big City |
Port Elizabeth |
Next Town |
Port Elizabeth |
|
Type: |
Ocean |
Rider Ability: |
Beginner, Intermediate, Expert |
Features: |
Shower, Toilet, Parking |
Water
Type: |
Small wave, Medium wave, Big wave |
Hazards: |
Currents |
Quality: |
Clean |
Best Tide: |
Low tide |
The spot works best on a low tide in the summer. The spot is divided into 2 with a sand bar on the left. So you get slightly choppy water on the right and cross off winds on the other side. Making for great wave riding and smooth water. Waves vary from 2-4 ft but it is too wild any bigger than that. Strong rip tides.
Beach
Type: |
Sand |
Size: |
Big |
Hazards: |
None |
Beach Users: |
None |
The large, sandy beach is perfect for launching and landing and have good clean sand on them. Just have to climb a dune to get to the spot but the parking lot is right on the other side.
Weather
Spring:
|
Shorty, Normal |
Summer:
|
Shorty |
Fall:
|
Shorty, Normal |
Winter:
|
Normal |
The air temp in mostly between 20-25°C and the water will be around 20°C. Best to wear a shorty for comforts sake and to reduce chances of sunburn. Air: summer 20-35°C, winter 15-25°C. Water: summer 18-23°C, winter 10-16°C.
Wind
Best Months: |
January, October, November, December |
Wind Type: |
Thermal |
Best Direction: |
SE, SW, WSW, W |
Main Direction: |
E, ESE, SE, SW, WSW, W |
Blows at least 3-5 times a week and usually between 12-20 knots, with the occasional really strong day. Best wind direction is Southwest and West but it can be surfed on a Southeasterly as well. Best wind is between October to January. It is possible to surf in off-season but the winds will be more frontal and often few and far between.
How to get there
Transport |
Car |
Access
|
Medium walk |
Exit the airport by turning left into 4th avenue and again turn left at the traffic lights into Hugh Road and continue on straight. The name of the road changes to Buffels Fontein but continue straight through till you can see the ocean. On your left will be some plastic green houses, turn left again when you meet the T-junction turn right into Sardinia Bay road. Continue till you see a parking lot and a large dune. Own transport advisable, no public transport. Drive along Marine Drive towards the beacon, and when the road ends, follow signs to Schoenmakerskop. From there you will see directions to Sardinia Bay. Also accessible by coming from Walmer Heights - take signs to Sardinia Bay directly.
Extra information
Definitely use a kite leash as people are walking on the beaches. Good beach for beginners. Watch out for petty crime in the top car park! Cars get broken into daily (especially during the week) for items like mobile phones - even if these are hidden in the boot. Park at the bottom car park (more crowded) and walk up the beach instead.
Nightlife