I love to surf, but I’m not very good at it. So I’m spending the next 6 weeks surfing South Africa’s best waves with professional instructors.
Yes, you read that correctly. An epic surfing road trip from Cape Town to Durban, with instruction from some former pro surfers. Sounds like a dream adventure travel vacation, right?
That’s what I thought.
I’ll be heading out on a multi-week South African Road Trip to experience legendary surfing conditions and locations that South Africa is well known for.
Surfing South Africa
Where will I be surfing? The adventure starts in Cape Town and I’ll slowly work my way up the East coast to Durban over 4 weeks, stopping at all the best surf spots along the journey.
Cape Town (Muizenberg Beach)
Plettenburg Bay
Jeffrey’s Bay
Coffee Bay
Durban (Anstey’s Beach)
Surfing Friends
Volunteer Projects
My journey won’t just be about getting better at surfing though. We’ll also dedicate time to local community projects throughout the trip. Like organizing football matches on the beach for township kids, teaching surfing lessons, and more.
It’s another aspect of this adventure that I’m really looking forward to.
Muizenberg Beach, Our First Stop
Surf Vacation Packing List
Did I mention that July is winter in South Africa? The Drakensburg mountains were covered with snow on my flight in! My travel gear for this adventure will be slightly different than my usual kit.
4/3 Wetsuit
The water in South Africa isn’t tropical, and I need a proper wetsuit (4mm chest, 3mm arms/legs). Luckily I found a local company that has a factory in Cape Town. I snagged a brand new, custom fit, 4/3 wetsuit direct from the Coral Wetsuits factory store for only $126!
50+ Sunscreen
My Irish skin doesn’t tan well, so plenty of strong waterproof sunscreen is a must. Maybe some Zinc for the nose too. I’ll be putting in a lot of wave time under the hot sun each week.
First Aid Kit
Surfing can be a rough sport. Getting slammed into the rocks by a wave will leave a mark or two. That’s why it’s important to have a first aid kit for the inevitable cuts & scrapes.
Warm Clothes
Despite it being winter here, air temperatures are between 50° – 70°F (11° – 21°C). So it’s really not that bad. However early mornings and late nights on the beach will require warm & comfortable clothing. After a 3 hour session surfing in cold water, warm clothes are exactly what you need.
Hoping to capture some great surfing footage & photos to share with you.
Surfboard!
I’m normally accustomed to surfing 9 foot longboards, but I’d like to move down to a shorter board. It will certainly be a challenge. Before I get my hands on one though, I’ll use longer boards while slowly working my way down to shorter ones as I become more proficient.
Special Surprises
Of course there is much more to South Africa than surfing. If you love adventure travel, this amazing country has a lot to offer. That’s why we’ll be embarking on other activities as well.
Hi, I’m Matthew Karsten — I’ve been traveling around the world for the last 9 years as a blogger, photographer, and digital nomad. Adventure travel & photography are my passions. Let me inspire you to travel more with crazy stories, photography, and money-saving travel tips.
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11 thoughts on “Road Trip! Surfing My Way Through South Africa”
Would love to get to a level of surfing where I can do things like this! This blog post was super easy to read and well-laid out. I strongly identify with the sunscreen tip.. burning in 5 seconds flat and having skin with the pigmentation of a jellyfish isn’t that fun.
Good advice for dealing with sharks too, made me laugh!
What an adventure! Can’t wait to see the pics… especially those showing fist-on-shark-nose action.
Surfing is one of those sports that requires some lessons (and a lot of practice) to really get the hang of it. I’m happy to finally get some proper instruction, from former pros no less!
I look forward to following your journey through South Africa. I’ll be taking notes for my own in October. Well, maybe not on the surfing though…
Why not Bryan? The surfing here is awesome, and Cape Town is a great place to learn.
I don’t think surfing is my thing. I have balance issues from multiple eye surgeries. I’d love to try, but know my limitations.
Wow sounds like fun! I have driven that route myself but we didn’t have nearly as much time as you. South Africa certainly has some amazing beaches and I am looking forward to being back there this summer
I hear South Africa’s waves in the winter are amazing. We’re still in Cape Town now, but are leaving to start heading North next week!
Oh, this sounds like a lot of fun! I’ll definitely be following along. I tried surfing once in Australia and I was terrible, but it was a lot of fun anyway. Have an amazing trip!
What I wouldn’t give to be 35 years younger and tag along! I am very #Jealous amigo. Have fun and be careful. I know you won’t, but just had to say that. Mike (Nomadic Texan)
Thanks Mike! I’ll try not to do anything too crazy.
Would love to get to a level of surfing where I can do things like this! This blog post was super easy to read and well-laid out. I strongly identify with the sunscreen tip.. burning in 5 seconds flat and having skin with the pigmentation of a jellyfish isn’t that fun.
Good advice for dealing with sharks too, made me laugh!
What an adventure! Can’t wait to see the pics… especially those showing fist-on-shark-nose action.
Surfing is one of those sports that requires some lessons (and a lot of practice) to really get the hang of it. I’m happy to finally get some proper instruction, from former pros no less!
I look forward to following your journey through South Africa. I’ll be taking notes for my own in October. Well, maybe not on the surfing though…
Why not Bryan? The surfing here is awesome, and Cape Town is a great place to learn.
I don’t think surfing is my thing. I have balance issues from multiple eye surgeries. I’d love to try, but know my limitations.
Wow sounds like fun! I have driven that route myself but we didn’t have nearly as much time as you. South Africa certainly has some amazing beaches and I am looking forward to being back there this summer
I hear South Africa’s waves in the winter are amazing. We’re still in Cape Town now, but are leaving to start heading North next week!
Oh, this sounds like a lot of fun! I’ll definitely be following along. I tried surfing once in Australia and I was terrible, but it was a lot of fun anyway. Have an amazing trip!
What I wouldn’t give to be 35 years younger and tag along! I am very #Jealous amigo. Have fun and be careful. I know you won’t, but just had to say that.
Mike (Nomadic Texan)
Thanks Mike! I’ll try not to do anything too crazy.