Thermopylae

Thermopylae is a surf spot located in Cape Town, South Africa, near Mouille Point, just west of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. The spot is also called Thermo’s. You can spot it by the metal object about 100 meters offshore, which is the last part of the Thermopylae shipwreck. The wave is a left-breaking reef break over a rocky bottom. The takeoff is right behind the shipwreck, and the paddle out is usually straightforward, but kelp can slow you down. The wave length can be more than 50 meters on good days, and it breaks in sections along a long reef. The spot works best on high tide. The best swell direction is from the southwest, west, or northwest, and the best wind is from the southeast or south. Thermopylae usually starts working when the swell is at least 7 feet and can handle much bigger swells, but the wave size is often about half the size of the open ocean swell. The spot faces north, so it is protected from the usual southwest swells and works when the swell is big. The takeoff zone is close to rocks and a concrete breakwater, so be careful, especially on big days when strong currents can pull you toward the breakwater. At the end of the reef, there are shallow rocks to watch out for. The spot is not crowded most of the time because it needs a big swell to break, but when it does, local surfers show up. The vibe is easygoing, but always respect the locals and check the surf etiquette when it gets busy. The water is cool, around 14.8°C, so a wetsuit is recommended. Thermopylae is not good for beginners. Check your skills before paddling out, be sure that the spot matches your level.