Bay on right wavelength

IT IS unanimous: the Bay has unique surf hotspots for beginners and professionals, and surfers, body-boarders, old and young all agree the Bay is the best.

John Scheepers (64), who has been surfing for the better part of forty years, believes Nelson Mandela Bay to be one of a kind. “Not many cities in the world have so many spots to surf in such a short distance. If you just look at the beachfront from Kings Beach through to Rincon (near Admiralty Way in Summerstrand), there are nine different spots.”

The diversity of surf locations, waves, wind and natural environs means that the city churns up great waves for surfers and the many would-be surfers now coming into the city to learn the art of riding the wave. 

Local Surfer, Robert ‘Jakes’ Jacobs (30) said: “Not many people realise this, but Nelson Mandela Bay really is surfing's hidden gem in South Africa. We are very blessed with so many surf spots here in the Eastern Cape.

“Besides having amazing spots like Fence, Clubhouse and Six Pillars within the Bay, we also have many other options like Bluewater Bay, Cape Recife, Sardinia Bay, Beachview and Maitlands, when the winds vary. We also have Jeffreys Bay, St. Francis Bay and Seal Point right around the corner – I’d say we are lucky.”

But finding the best spot and time is not an exact science. “There are so many variable factors besides time that help in your decision making for which spots to go surf on any given day. Some spots are low tide spots and others only break and are surfable on high tide.”

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) recognise the city’s popularity as a surf tourism destination along with other water sports. NMBT marketing manager Titus Chuene said the organisation supports the growth of water sports and surfing in particular because, although it is a niche market, it draws in tourists who want to learn to surf, experience South African surf in a relatively safe environment, and enjoy the natural coastline of Nelson Mandela Bay.

“Our city is fast becoming a popular surf tourism destination – firstly after 26-years of our neighbour Jeffreys Bay hosting the Billabong, the city has also started to gain a reputation as an unsung, but top, surf spot as many Billabong surfers and supporters stop in Nelson Mandela Bay to experience the Eastern Cape surf variety,” said Titus Chuene, NMBT marketing manager.

“Secondly, our conditions are optimal for learning to surf, which means that first-time surfers can learn surf moves in a safe and well supported environment. These people are often visitors to the city – and so surf tourism is developing in Nelson Mandela Bay."

Surf-mad Scheepers, who works at Dolphin’s Leap Surf Centre which rents out boards and wetsuits to tourists and novice locals, said the shop and rental system is very popular amongst beginners and tourists. “It’s not easy for all tourists to drag along a big board every time they go on holiday.”

He said the surf spot adjacent to the shop was the best for learning to surf. “Denville is the best spot for a newbie and it’s very convenient, being across the road from us.”

For more experienced surfers he recommended the ‘Wildside’, the area spanning from Cape Recife to Maitlands. But he also cautioned those who do not have the skill about surfing Wildside. “Do not go there on your own, or without someone who knows the rip currents. It’s called the Wildside for a reason.”

Scheepers said surfers need to check for the location of the best waves every day. “Even I find the waves unpredictable, and I’ve been surfing these waves for years. The greatest thing is that there are so many spots to choose from, almost any day you’ll find a wave somewhere, especially when there’s a south westerly wind blowing.”

The competition scene in Nelson Mandela Bay is very active and consists of all the Eastern Province trials, six ‘Create-Your-Own-Happening’ (CYOH) surf club “surf-off” events, and recently NMMU has also brought the occasional contest for those looking for progressive fun. 

“With the Cape Agulhas Current, an average summer water temperature of around 21°C and the perennial presence of a wave somewhere in the Bay, it’s no surprise we are gaining a reputation as a surf tourism destination,” added Chuene. “Surf’s up!.”

Helpful sites for information on surfing in the Bay include: www.windguru.com or www.millerslocal.co.za.