Enjoy South Africa 's Beaches! Go-Cape Travel Directory Cape Town beaches!

The Western Cape is Beach Country!

CAPE TOWN, AND THE WESTERN CAPE's BEACHES
Beaches - False Bay East I Beaches - Table Bay I Beaches Southern Peninsula

Beaches of the West Coast Beaches of the Eastern Cape Beaches of Kwazulu Natal

World's best Beaches

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No matter if you're from London, Amsterdam, Australia's Gold Coast, France, Italy, Florida, Munchen or Spain, if you enjoy the beach and the ocean you're heading to the right place. There's no doubt about it, the Western Cape has some of the most spectacular white sand beaches in the world. The Western Cape is a sun seeker's paradise, a South African destination to come and have fun in the sun. From Millionaire's beaches to secluded beaches of unspoilt nature.

In summer, the popularity of our beaches prove it! It's not uncommon for us locals to head off to the beach directly after work to soak up the sun, play some beach volley ball or catch some surf. Let's just say that's the way we Capetonians are, we love it, and the northern provinces envy us for that! Because we have such a large choice of beaches along our coast line; everyone has a place to just soak up some sun and enjoy beach sports.

Have you ever imagined being in a Mediterranean summer climate while everyone else in the Northern hemisphere are freezing? Well down here in South Africa, YOU CAN DO JUST THAT!

Whether you travel up our East or West coast you'll find seemingly endless stretches of white sandy beaches stretching to the horizon. Blue and turquoise seas where the whales, dolphins, and even penguins come to play in the surf.

So what are you waiting for? Get your plane ticket go book your accommodation , check out the weather on our main page and head South when winter arrives in the North!

The Cape offers ("epic") fantastic waves for surfing and body boarding. Enjoy wave jumping, kite surfing or any other water sports you fancy along our stretched out coastline.

Come soak up the African sun this summer. Pursue your pleasure, vitality, health and happiness... what are you waiting for...pack and get on the jet.

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The Go-Cape Travel Directory SUN TANNING & Beach Survival Guide...

Its true that sun tanning lifts the spirit and rejuvenates the body. To achieve a golden tan, its important to tan carefully.

Tanning Tips - Be Prepared

Moisturize your skin, slough off dead skin cells by exfoliating your skin. Dead skin cells can cause darker uneven patches on your tanning skin.
Be generous in applying body lotion to soften your skin texture.
Skin types that tan instantly and effortlessly can use any number of oils, tanning lotions and gels available. All offer various degrees of protection against sun burn. (called SPF factors)
Nothing looks worse than a peeling tan. So take it moderately and slowly build up your tan by tanning more frequently rather than by spending longer periods in the sun expecting a quick tan ...A tan slowly built up over time will be healthier, looks great and will last longer.

The sun can still damage easy tanning skin types so stick to the rules of the National Cancer Association:

Avoid tanning in the sun between 11am and 3pm. (i.e. when the sun's directly overhead and harmful radiation penetrates the atmosphere)
Wear a broad-brimmed hat to protect your face.
Put on a t-shirt sooner than later.
Use and constantly re-apply protective suntan lotions (water-resistant suntan lotions can also deplete on your skin)
Many people overlook protecting their lips and often even forget applying lotion on their backs. Don't forget, you'll regret it at sundowners after a day in the sun!

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Surf Safaris!

Ultimate Africa Surf tours
Miles of deserted, unspoiled coastline with excellent surf and hospitality. you decide the location, whether South Africa, Namibia, or Mozambique...and they will take you there!
Surf Africa Safaris
Surf Africa Safaris invite you to share the mind blowing experience of exploring the Southern African Coastline.
True Blue Surf Travel
Based in Cape Town, South Africa specializing in surf adventures to Indonesia, Maldive Islands, Mauritius, Reunion and South Africa.
Waterways Travel
The goal of WaterWays is to take the gamble and guesswork out of surfing travel, while at the same time providing you with the best value for your travel dollar.

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Want to learn how to surf? Head down to South Africa this Summer! - Surfing Schools

Gary's Surf School (Cape Town)
Shop 20, Sunvalley Mall, Old Cape Rd, Noordhoek, 7976
For more details, click here
Cass Collier
cell: +27 (0)73 182 2410

Nirvana Surf Shop (Garden Route)
Contact: Paul Howes
tel: + 27 (0)44 382 6316
cell: +27 (0)82 808 5974
e-mail: nirvanasurf@imaginet.co.za

Aloe Afrika Adventures (Garden Route)
With Jeffery's Bay surfing legend Shorty Bronkhorst
tel: (042) 296 2974
cell: 082 576 4259
e-mail: aloe@agnet.co.za

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Surf Reports and Related Links

Just Swell....were are the waves? Find them here!

KFM Radio offers a morning surf report every weekday morning presented by Deon Bing. Tune in to KFM on 94.5 FM in Cape Town.

- south atlantic forecast

- west coast wave heights

- east coast wave heights

- global wave heights

- tides

- global analysis wave map

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Heading down to the beach ? Get the local weather information before you set off

We all know that wind can spoil a day at the beach. Cape Town is well known for it's South Easter "the Cape Doctor" but even on a windy day there are a number of great beaches that are sheltered from the South Easter.

How to know if the South Easter is going to howl?

Check Table Mountain or the Hottentots Holland mountain range, if there's a cloud falling over the mountain looking like a waterfall it's a pretty good indication of a windy day. In this case head for the beaches on the Western side of Cape Town between Sea Point and Scarborough. Or you could head 56km out of town on the N2 and enjoy Bikini Beach at Gordon's Bay which is well sheltered from the South Easter.

In our 36 years of experience the South Easter only starts to pick up at about 2pm and then calms down at about 5pm, there are exceptions though. There are many days when the wind actually never hits the beach even though you can see it out in False Bay, so its always a good idea to go down and take a look before planning alternative activities like a wine region tour for the day.

In summer the sun rises at about 6am and sets again at 8.30pm, this offers lovely long days...to enjoy at the beach.

In summer you would generally not need a wet suit in the Cape unless you are surfing on the West Coast where the where water temperatures can get pretty refreshing. False Bay (east of Cape Town) surf spots and further Eastward offer pleasant water temperatures and wet suits are generally not needed here. If you are heading up the East Coast toward Kwazulu Natal, you will find water temperatures increasing as you head further North East along the coast.

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Select the best surf spot to go surfing today! Use this table below.

A Capetonians General rule of thumb:

Northwesterly Wind - head East for off-shore conditions.
South Easterly Wind - head West for off-shore conditions.

Don't say we didn't tell you....

Spot	Direction of waves	Size	Wind
Derde Steen	right and left	2-6	NE
Dunes	right and left	2-6	SE
Elands Bay	left	4-8	SW/SE
Glen Beach	right	2-6	NE
Herolds Bay	right and left	2-3	W
Jongensfontein	right	2-4	W
Kalk Bay	left	4-6	NW/SE
Koeël Bay	right and left	2-4	SE
Llundadno	right	2-6	SE
Long Beach	right and left	2-6	SW
Muizenberg	right and left	2-4	NW
Outer Kom	left	8-15	none
Outer Pool	right	2-6	W
Silwerstroom	right and left	2-4	NE
Skaap Eiland	right	2-6	NE
Stilbaai	right	2-8	W
Table View	right and left	2-4	NE
Victoria Bay	right	2-8	W
Wedge	left	2-5	NW
Wilderness Beach break	right and left	2-4	W

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Surfing Related Web Sites

240mph.com
Based in Durban, South Africa 240mph is a multimedia company specializing in sports cinematography and videography.
Cape Town Surf Tripping
Updated weather conditions and a review of surfing spots in and around Cape Town South Africa.
Christian Surfriders Association, South Africa
Offers a program of contests, travel, challenging Bible studies, coaching and other surf related activities.
HotButtered Surfboards
Browse the catalogue, order online, or send a surfing postcard.
Martin Rennhackkamp's surfing homepage (South Africa)
Son Surf Club (South Africa)
A non profit Christian sports Club affiliated to Surf Ministries International. Son Surf runs surfing contests, coaching clinics, Camps, and festivals on both regional and national levels.
Surf Africa Safaris
Surf Africa Safaris invite you to share the mind blowing experience of exploring the Southern African Coastline.
Surfing South Africa
Surfbreak information and accommodation listings for the coast of South Africa.
Surf South Africa
South Africa is the ultimate surf trip. RSA has a fantastic vibe with surf to match.
Wavescape, Surfing in South Africa
This is a stunning Surfers' guide to South Africa! Surf spots, updated surf reports, travel stories, zany slang dictionary, travel info, pictures, surf art...what more do you need?
Western Province Surfing
Official site of Western Province Surfing. Their mission is to promote the interests of local surfing in all its forms, socially and competitively, within the Republic of South Africa.
Body boarding Web Sites, (Hey Grommets also need to live...)
Rheopaipo Bodyboards South Africa
Hey, The boards of the best quality, for your enjoyment.

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Surf Safety Tips

Swim only between the flags

1. Always swim or surf at places patrolled by lifeguards.
2. Swim between the Red and Yellow flags on the beach.
3. Always swim under supervision.
4. Read and obey the signs on the beach, they have been placed their with your safety in mind.
5. If the beach is unfamiliar to you, ask a lifeguard about local beach conditions such as possible rip currents etc.
6. Avoid swimming directly after a meal.
7. Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
8. Water conditions change, so never jump or dive in if you are not sure about the current conditions.
9. If you do get into trouble, stay calm, signal for help and wait for assistance.
10. Float with a current, stay calm and don't try to swim against a current.
11. When surfing in cold water or during winter, wear a wetsuit for protection against hypothermia. (Winter: 3mm-4mm wet suits are recommended on the West Coast)

South African beaches frequented by holiday makers are patrolled mainly during the Summer vacation season, public holidays and over weekends as the lifeguards are volunteers. A sponsored helicopter beach patrol is also active during peak holiday seasons.

PLEASE KEEP OUR BEACHES CLEAN, KEEP GLASS OBJECTS OFF OUR BEACHES
- SUBMERGED BROKEN GLASS CAN CUT FEET...AND THAT HURTS

Waves

Waves that never break can be indicative of a beach with a steep slope in the sea bed, these waves can knock you over or drag you into deep water.

Waves that spill over without having a dumping action are usually the safest waves to bodysurf in. They have less force and are usually found in sheltered bays where the sea floor has a gradual slope.

Dumpers! These are waves that lift and suddenly crash down. Waves like these can throw you to the sea floor with great force and snap your surf board without much effort, they often create strong currents. You are more likely to find these type of waves at low tide when there is a strong under current and the sea is pulling back from the beach.

Remember that large waves usually come in sets of 3, so if you get dumped by the first large wave in a set, expect at least another 2 large waves when surfacing.

If you are surfing with a body board or surfboard always have leash attached to the board.

Rip Currents

Rips usually occur when a channel forms because of water rushing back out from the beach to the sea. How to recognize a rip.

The water is darker, because its deeper.
The water has a smooth surface, and waves are smaller in this area.
You will often see seaweed floating or foam on the surface of the water.

If you get caught in a rip, stay calm. If you are not an experienced swimmer float out with the rip and once you are beyond the breakers, swim parallel to the beach and catch waves back in to the beach.

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E-mail us if you have any general information inquiries regarding the local beaches around Cape Town or other beaches of the Western cape, safe swimming areas or surfing, We will gladly assist you.
South Africa's coastline offers white sun bleached beaches, comparing with some of the best in the world such as the Gold Coast of Australia, California and Florida or the beaches of the Mediterranean.