An Introduction To Kommetjie Surf
- Author | Matt K
- Updated | May 20, 2025
Kommetjie surf is an experience of serenity with power situated on South Africa’s Western Cape, where rough beauty meets casual surf culture. This quaint coastal town is cherished for its reliable waves, scenic terrain, and the ease of getting around without a car. Walkable roads and local shuttles allow the area surf breaks to be explored in a refreshingly simple manner.
An unbroken beach lies at the very heart of the Kommetjie surf scene, Long Beach, a year-round reliable surfing venue bearing clean and powerful waves that suit everyone from beginner to expert. Long Beach serves up either slow rides for beginners or punchier sections for the more advanced.
A little cycling or driving from Long Beach, and Outer-Kom presents heavier reef breaks for the well-experienced. Noordhoek, Witsand, and Scarborough then offer a little bit more variety, all with ever-changing conditions and uncrowded line-ups.
An even greater level of charm surrounds the Kommetjie surf scene because of the local laid-back vibe. After a surf session, grab a coffee at one of the seaside cafes, have a chat with friendly staffers at the surf shops, or simply soak in the wild views along this stretch of coast.
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In This Guide
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Best Time To Surf Kommetjie
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Peak Kommetjie Surf Season | May to September
Suited For Intermediate & Advanced
Kommetjie surf peaks from May to September, when powerful southwest swells from the Roaring Forties slam into Cape Town’s rugged Atlantic coastline. During winter, Kommetjie surf delivers consistent 4 to 8-foot waves at renowned breaks like Outer Kom & Sunset, offering challenging, heavy surf for experienced riders.
The dramatic scenery & exposed nature of Kommetjie surf in winter create raw, energetic conditions that reward skill & commitment. The lineups are generally less crowded during this season due to the challenging nature of the waves & colder water, making it prime time for serious surf sessions.
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Shoulder Kommetjie Surf Season | March, April & October
Suited For All Skill Levels
In March, April, & October, Kommetjie surf softens into more accessible conditions, with waves in the 3 to 5-foot range. The transition seasons offer clean, peeling surf at breaks like Long Beach, making Kommetjie surf more approachable for a wider range of surfers.
These months see a nice blend of leftover winter swells & calmer days, creating playful peaks & walls perfect for practicing turns & gaining confidence. Kommetjie surf during the shoulder season also benefits from less crowded lineups & stunning sunsets, delivering an unforgettable surf experience for those looking to improve.
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Low Kommetjie Surf Season | November to February
Suited For Beginners & Intermediate
Kommetjie surf settles into its most mellow state from November to February, offering smaller, more beginner-friendly waves between 2 & 4 feet. While the summer season is less consistent, Kommetjie surf still provides fun, easy sessions at Long Beach & other sheltered spots.
The warmer weather & calmer ocean create perfect conditions for beginners & longboarders to enjoy long, gentle rides. Though advanced surfers might find the waves lacking intensity, Kommetjie surf in summer is ideal for relaxed days in the water, learning new skills, or just soaking up Cape Town’s beautiful surroundings.
Kommetjie Surf Temperature, What To Wear & Rainfall Guide
Kommetjie Surf Temperature:
16–18°C (61–64°F)
What To Wear:
A 3/2 mm full wetsuit is recommended due to the cool Atlantic waters, ensuring comfort during longer sessions.
Rainfall:
Summer is typically dry, with only about 4–5 rainy days per month, often as brief showers.
Kommetjie Surf Temperature:
15–17°C (59–63°F)
What To Wear:
A 4/3 mm full wetsuit is advisable as the water cools, providing necessary insulation.
Rainfall:
Autumn sees an increase in rainfall, averaging 6–8 rainy days per month.
Kommetjie Surf Temperature:
13–15°C (55–59°F)
What To Wear:
A 4/3 mm full wetsuit with booties is essential for warmth in the colder waters.
Rainfall:
Winter is the wettest season, with approximately 10–14 rainy days per month, often bringing heavier showers.
Kommetjie Surf Temperature:
14–16°C (57–61°F)
What To Wear:
A 4/3 mm full wetsuit remains suitable, offering comfort as temperatures begin to rise.
Rainfall:
Spring averages 6–9 rainy days per month, with rainfall gradually decreasing towards November.
Surf Spots Within 5km or 3 Miles From Kommetjie
| Kommetjie Surf Spots | Distance from Kommetjie | Wave Size | Wave Quality | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Long Beach |
Approx. 500m (0.3mi) north |
2-6 foot |
Consistent beach break |
All levels |
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Outer Kom |
Approx. 1km (0.6mi) west |
4-8 foot |
Heavy reef break with powerful waves |
Advanced only |
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Noordhoek |
Approx. 2.5km (1.5mi) north |
3-8 foot |
Powerful beach break with fast sections |
Intermediate to advanced |
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Witsand |
Approx. 4km (2.5mi) south |
1-4 foot |
Mellow waves |
Beginner to intermediate |
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Surf Spots Within the Area |
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Scarborough |
Approx. 8km (5mi) south |
2-6 foot |
Varied beach break with barrels |
All levels |
Further Information To Kommetjie Surf Spots
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: Southeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: High
Long Beach is Kommetjie’s most consistent beach break, offering reliable peaks year-round. Best on a southwest swell with southeast winds at mid tide, the beach produces powerful left & right waves over sand with occasional rock patches.
The waves are punchy & suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers, particularly during winter swells when the beach comes alive. Due to its accessibility & quality, it draws a steady local crowd, especially on clean, offshore days. It’s a prime spot for shortboarding & high-performance surfing.
Rating: 4/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Low to mid tide
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: West
- Crowd Factor: Low
Outer Kom is a powerful, heavy reef break located outside Kommetjie, known for its long, rolling rights. Favoring a strong west swell with northeast winds, Outer Kom fires best at low to mid tide, offering long walls with occasional barrel sections.
The wave is less crowded due to its challenging paddle-out & heavier nature, making it ideal for advanced surfers. The break’s power & size increase with larger swells, providing a big-wave experience during peak winter months.
Rating: 4.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Low tide
- Wind: Southeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: Moderate
Noordhoek is an exposed, wild beach break offering powerful, often heavy waves over sand & scattered rocks. Best on low tide with a solid southwest swell & southeast winds, the spot delivers thick, barreling lefts & rights.
The wave can get heavy & is more suited to experienced surfers seeking a raw, powerful beach break experience. Its relative isolation keeps the crowds moderate, but the shifting peaks & strong currents demand caution & respect.
Rating: 4/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid to high tide
- Wind: Northeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: Low
Witsand is a lesser-known beach break offering fun, peaky waves over sand, best during mid to high tide with southwest swells & northeast winds. The waves here are generally softer & more forgiving than neighboring breaks, making it a good spot for intermediate surfers looking for less crowded conditions.
Although not as powerful or consistent, Witsand can produce clean, playful waves on the right swell & tide, offering a quieter alternative to the more popular Kommetjie spots.
Rating: 3.5/5
Ideal Conditions:
- Tide: Mid tide
- Wind: East and northeast
- Swell Direction: Southwest
- Crowd Factor: Low to moderate
Scarborough Beach is a scenic, exposed beach break just north of Kommetjie offering a mix of powerful lefts and rights across shifting sandbanks. It works best on a solid southwest swell with light easterly to northeasterly winds and performs particularly well during mid tide.
The waves can be punchy and fast, with occasional barrels depending on the banks, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. While the surf here is less consistent than neighboring spots like Long Beach, its beauty and low crowd factor provide a more peaceful, uncrowded session when the conditions align.
Rating: 3.5/5
Travel Time To Kommetjie Surf Spots
| Kommetjie Surf Spots | Walking Time | Biking Time | Public Transport |
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Long Beach |
5 min. |
Not required |
Not required |
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Outer Kom |
Approx. 10 min. |
5 min. |
Not required |
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Noordhoek |
Approx. 35 min. |
Approx. 15 min. |
15 min bus or 10 min taxi |
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Witsand |
Approx. 60 min. |
Approx. 30 min. |
20 min bus or 10 min taxi |
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Scarborough |
Not advised |
Not advised |
25 min bus or 15 min taxi |
Accommodation In Kommetjie
When going to Kommetjie for your surf adventure, Trip.com is an excellent resource for your lodging needs near the ocean while you do some surfing. They have hotel options from the luxury to the budget friendly. For some hang time with the waves before you get down to arranging logistics, book early.
For a really good surf experience in South Africa, Tripaneer surf camps are one of the best options. The surf camps include coaching for assistance in lodging and social activities to help develop skill and enjoying the scene in South Africa.
| Accommodation Type | Description | Price Range (EUR)* | Price Range (USD)* |
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Hostels |
Dormitory-style accommodation |
N/A |
N/A |
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Mid-range Hotels/Serviced Apartments |
Studio apartments, motels, or 1-bedroom units |
€55 to €170 |
$60 to $180 |
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Luxury Stays |
Luxury beachfront resorts or high-end apartments |
€230 to €330+ |
$250 to $350+ |
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*Rates are per night and subject to change. |
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Kommetjie Surf Lessons & Surf Schools
Kommetjie surf schools offer a laid-back learning experience along Cape Town’s rugged Atlantic coastline, with uncrowded beaches & quality waves ideal for skill development.
Cape Point Surf Yoga Camp provides access to reputable local surf schools, ensuring personalized and professional instruction for all skill levels.
With personalized instruction & beautiful surroundings, Kommetjie surf schools create the perfect space to build confidence & enjoy the rhythm of the ocean.
Kommetjie Surf Camp
Surf camps in Kommetjie are limited, but Cape Point Surf Yoga Camp stands out as a fantastic option for an immersive surf retreat. This camp combines yoga sessions with expert surf instruction, offering an enriching experience both in and out of the water.
If you venture to Jeffreys Bay, check out Jeffreys Bay Surf School Surf Camp, where expert coaching meets world-class waves. With tailored instruction for all levels & unbeatable access to Supertubes, it’s an ideal spot to level up your surfing.
Kommetjie Surfboard Hire
Kommetjie surfboard hire gives surfers easy access to boards suited for the area’s range of beach & reef breaks, all without the hassle of traveling with your own gear.
Cape Point Surf Yoga Camp provides convenient access to rental options for surfers of all levels. The boards available are well-maintained and suitable for tackling Kommetjie’s variety of waves.
Whether you’re looking to cruise gentle waves or challenge yourself on bigger days, Kommetjie surfboard hire has the gear to match the moment.
Kommetjie Surf Report & Surf Cam
If you want to surf smartly in South Africa, connect to trusted sources likeSurf-Forecast and Surfline which gives a reliable forecast & live cams of the major surf breaks for South Africa. These live cams require subscription, but it’s worth it to see the waves live.
A Drimsim eSIM or a Yesim eSIM lets you connect to the internet immediately after landing, no SIM card purchases required. This keeps you informed about tides and swell, and lets you share your Kommetjie and South Africa surf videos on the go.
How To Get To Kommetjie Surf
- Cape Town International Airport (CPT) To Kommetjie
Distance: 50km (30mi)
To reach Kommetjie, the most convenient route is to fly into Cape Town International Airport (CPT) & then take a taxi or local bus to your destination. Below is a guide with various transportation options to help you choose the best way to get to Kommetjie based on your preferences.
Public Transport
Approx. 2-2.5 hrs.
Details:
From Cape Town International Airport (CPT), there is no direct bus to Kommetjie. The cheapest route is to take the MyCiTi Airport Shuttle (Route A01) to Cape Town Civic Centre Station, then transfer to the Metrorail Southern Line to Fish Hoek station. From Fish Hoek, use a minibus taxi or Uber to reach Kommetjie, about a 20-minute ride.
This route involves multiple changes, with the last stretch along scenic coastal roads. Though inexpensive, public transport in Cape Town can be inconsistent outside of major hubs & is not always the safest after dark, so daytime travel is recommended.
Shuttle Service
Approx. 1-1.5 hrs.
Details:
Private shuttle services are available from Cape Town Airport to Kommetjie, operated by companies like Centurion Tours & local surf lodges. These shared or private vans are scheduled according to flight arrivals & can be pre-booked online.
Shuttles are equipped for surf gear & offer a safe, reliable alternative to public transport. Vans generally follow the fastest routes via the M3 & Ou Kaapse Weg, but travel times can stretch during Cape Town’s morning & evening traffic peaks.
HolidayTaxis or Welcome Pickups allow you to pre-book your shuttle so it’s waiting as soon as you land. This service makes your transfer from the airport to the beach quick & hassle-free, saving you time & effort.
South Africa Travel Information | 7 Essentials You Need To Know
South Africa’s surf scene is impressive, but smart preparation makes your trip easier. You’ll be using South African Rand, and card payments are common, though rural shops may only take cash. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Tap water is generally safe in cities, but bottled is recommended elsewhere.
Want more helpful tips? Our South Africa surf page outlines the 7 essentials, including visa info, health services, and emergency numbers to help you travel confidently.
Travel Insurance For Your Kommetjie Surf Trip
Weather surprises, health complications, and airline issues are what characterize the modern travel scenario. Knowing that you have travel insurance planning ahead will actually spare you the agony of worrying about it and might even be a little money. VisitorsCoverage specializes in keeping you focused on what matters-the thrill of the ride.
It helps you in case of emergencies, trip interruptions, and equipment problems. It would be worth it to have had the coverage when things do go wrong.
Discover Kommetjie: What To Do When The Waves Are Flat
When the waves are flat, Kommetjie still has plenty to explore. From scenic coastal walks to nearby nature reserves and local markets, below are 4 great options to enjoy your time.
For even more activities, check out GetYourGuide for experiences like guided hikes, wildlife tours, and cultural day trips around the area.