Rooi Els

Rooi Els is a surf spot located in Cape Town, South Africa, on the eastern shore of False Bay, about 5 kilometers north of Pringle Bay. The spot sits beneath the Klein-Hangklip mountain and is surrounded by the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. The beach has a mix of sand and rocks on the bottom, and the surf here works best during winter when a big swell comes into False Bay. Rooi Els needs a large 8-10 foot swell to get going, as the waves here are usually smaller than the forecast might suggest. The spot sometimes breaks and is often empty, so you might find it less crowded than nearby places like Bikini Beach or Koeel Bay. The right side of the beach can offer zippy little barrels when the conditions line up. The best surf is usually at medium to high tide. Always check the surf report, map, and webcam before heading out to get the latest forecast and conditions. The spot is suitable for all levels, but you should always check your skills before paddling out, be sure that the spot and the conditions match your level. The surf spot provides both left and right waves. Hazards include rocks and rip currents, so keep an eye on the conditions. Rooi Els is easy to reach by car via the R44 regional road, but there is no public transport, so plan ahead. The village is small, with unpaved roads and no street lights, and is a registered conservancy. Nearby surf spots include Jerilotto, Pringle Bay, Pringle Bay Reef, Paranoia, and Kogel Bay Beach. When the spot is crowded, respect the locals and always follow surf etiquette. Always check the difficulty of the spot before entering the water. For more details, use a surf map or webcam to get a real-time look at the surf.