Most people associate Africa with safari vacations—not ones that involve hitting the waves. But South Africa’s coastal geography makes it nearly ideal for water sports, and the country has a rich history of surfing. Here’s a look at South Africa’s surfing legacy and where to catch a wave if you’re traveling there today.
Early African Surfers
According to the website Surfing Heritage South Africa, which documents the nation’s history in waves, the first documented surf expedition in South Africa occurred in 1919, when a Capetown woman met two U.S. Marines in the town of Muizenberg.
Headed home from fighting in WWI, legend has it that the marines taught the Capetown woman how to surf standing up on their Hawaiian-style boards, which was unusual for the time, when most surfers still rode waves stomach-down on boards.
Adapting & Evolving
Throughout the 1920s, South Africans interested in surfing experimented with building boards that mimicked the ones they knew surfers in other parts of the world were using. But because South African surfers lacked access to the lightweight wood that Hawaiian boards were made with, they had to improvise, building surfboards with wooden frames and water-tight canvas centers.
Eventually, swimmers and surfers in South Africa formed life-saving groups and began to tailor their designs to help lifesavers get to struggling swimmers. The various design adaptations, though, eventually led to more advanced surfboards, many similar to those in use today.
Where to Surf in Africa Today
Naturally, South Africa remains a hot international destination for surfers—and other African destinations have gotten surfer shout outs as well. Try visiting one of these on your next trip to Africa:
- South Africa: This country’s extensive coastline includes a number of surfing spots, including Eland’s Bay, Long Beach, Muizenberg (a popular site for swimmers as well), Victoria Bay (good for surfers at all levels), and Jeffrey’s Bay (recommended for experienced surfers). While South Africa isn’t the only surfing hotspot in Africa, its beaches are often the most easily accessible by motor vehicle.
- Angola: Cabo Ledo, a town on the coast of this south-western African nation, boasts surfing and accommodations (though they tend to be expensive). While surfing here may be picturesque, traveling can be hard on vehicles.
- Cameroon: With black sand beaches and spectacular volcano views, the surfing at Limbe, Cameroon, can be breathtaking. But it can also get pretty rainy, so plan accordingly.
- Seychelles Islands: Off Africa’s east coast, this archipelago in the Indian Ocean offers surfing far away from crowds. While surfers can find waves year-round, the prime seasons are between monsoon seasons (March through May and September through November).
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