Witsands

Witsands is a surf spot located in Cape Town, South Africa, along the M65 coastal road between Soetwater Beach and Misty Cliffs Beach, about 40 kilometers south of the city. The spot is easy to find, with access via steep rocky paths from Main Road or through a parking area near the Soetwater Resort entrance on Lighthouse Road. The beach has soft white sand, small dunes, and a rocky outcrop called ‘Die Eiland’ on the western edge, where an old crayfish processing plant stands. Witsands is known for its consistent surf and is often less crowded than nearby spots like Crayfish Factory, Misty Cliffs, and Scarborough Beach. The spot provides both left and right waves. The bottom is a mix of coral reef and sand, and you can surf here at all tides. The waves are good and can be fairly long, but the length is usually less than 50 meters. The water is cold, around 15.8°C, so a spring wetsuit is recommended. There is a lot of kelp in the water. The best surf forecast is during winter, especially in May, with clean waves about 22% of the time, while onshore winds can make conditions less favorable most of the time. The ideal swell comes from the southwest, and the best wind is from the northeast. Beginners can try the main beach, especially with a north-westerly wind, but rips and channels are common, so check your skills before paddling out, be sure that the spot matches your level. More experienced surfers can head to the Crayfish Factory reef break, which is challenging and not for beginners. Witsands is also popular for kitesurfing and windsurfing, with winds from 14 to 30 knots and a slick in the lagoon corner. There are no restrooms or facilities, only a boat slipway used by local fishers. Always respect the locals, especially when the spot is crowded, and check the surf etiquette. Secure your valuables and avoid visiting alone due to the remote location. For the latest surf report, map, and webcam, check online before heading out.