Baboon Point (Elands Bay)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Baboon Point (Elands Bay) is an exposed reef point break delivering consistent, powerful left-hand waves. The wave is widely described as world-class, with fast peeling sections that can generate hollow/barreling opportunities and long, winding rides down the point. Surf works year-round, but winter—especially July—is highlighted as the best time for consistent conditions. Reported surf consistency includes a meaningful probability of clean, surfable wave conditions in July, but the same period can also bring blown-out conditions, so wind/swell timing matters. The best surf alignment is described as a West-southwest swell with offshore east winds. The spot is also used for wind-powered sports: in summer, thermal/gradient effects can strengthen east/SE winds during the afternoon/early evening window, supporting wave-focused kitesurfing and windsurfing. Optimal wind timing for wind sports is generally framed around late afternoon, with summer months noted as particularly reliable. Safety is a major consideration. The water is freezing due to the Benguela Current, and cold-water exposure brings hypothermia risk, so a thick wetsuit and booties are emphasized. Conditions are also hazardous: rocky terrain, thick kelp, and strong currents/rips are reported, and shark presence is explicitly noted. Expect limited rescue/lifeguard coverage, so plan conservatively and respect surf etiquette at the competitive peak.
- Exposed reef break with consistent long left-hand waves
- Winter peak in July; works at any time of year
- Offshore east winds improve wave quality
- Very cold Benguela Current water—freezing conditions
- World-class, consistent left-hand point break with long rides.
- Offshore east winds can produce cleaner, more offshore conditions.
- Year-round working surf with a strong winter peak (especially July).
- Exposed reef break with rocks and thick kelp; launch/entry can be difficult.
- Strong currents and cold water increase risk.
- Crowds can build during peak surf/wind weekends.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E
- Offshore directions
- E
- No-go directions
- N, NNE, NE, ENE, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Wind sports are commonly influenced by the summer Cape Doctor/thermal pressure gradient; summer SE/E winds can accelerate along the coast.
- Reliability
- Moderate-to-high for wind sports in summer; July shows a mix of blown vs clean surfing conditions.
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Gusts described as steady (also supported by stable monthly blown/clean surfability stats in July).
- Best Months
- November, December, January, February, March, October, July, August, September
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 6–10 m²
- Shadow Zones
- Small wind shadow very close to the point caused by the cliffs/terrain.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Mixed — Mixed composition reported for the broader area; rocks/reef are the key bottom features at the break itself.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Big — Surf can range from small to very large; bigger swell days are described as holding massive size.
- Launch
- Medium — Rocky launch from the point for experienced riders; a sandy section further down can provide an easier exit.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Launch/entry described as difficult for exposed rocky terrain.
Through the year
Can get quite busy when surf is up; weekends crowded, weekdays few surfers. Summer holidays/weekend swells can be especially busy.
Winter months (June to August) see occasional cold fronts and rain.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Cross-offshore SE wind combined with the long left-hand point break is described as ideal for down-the-line wave riding. Also referenced as a world-class wave-riding spot.
- Kite Sizes
- 6–10 m²
Long, fast lefts suited to wave sailing and hard carving/aerials; described as one of the best wave-sailing spots.
- Sail Sizes
- 3.7–5 m²
Challenging due to thick kelp and rocky bottom; limited foil-friendly conditions and only recommended for experts (especially in smaller swells/clear patches).
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Thick kelp and rocky bottom reduce foil-friendliness.
- Min Depth
- 2.0m
- Wing Sizes
- 3.5–5 m²
Exposed reef point delivering consistent, long left-hand waves. Often heavy, fast, and capable of barrel sections and very long rides; best when a West-southwest swell meets offshore east winds.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- SW, WSW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid, Low — Different sources report mid tide and low tide as best; use tide to fine-tune timing for the cleanest sections.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed reef break; little shelter from wind and swell.
- Wind Effect
- Best with offshore east winds; SE/SW can also be favorable depending on conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds massive size; current/paddling becomes extremely difficult on bigger swells.
- Wave Quality
- World class — Described as world-class with consistent, high-quality waves when swell and wind align.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Powerful left-hand point break; sources also describe very-powerful on optimal days.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Often described as hollow; other sources describe peeling/fast sections.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Fast peel with a heavy, powerful section.
- Ride Length
- Long — Long walls around the point.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical average ride lengths cited as 50 to 150 meters; other reporting notes rides can exceed 300 meters on optimal days, with long walls winding down the point.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Baboon Point (Elands Bay) in the full forecast view.
Baboon Point (Elands Bay) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–17 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- SW220°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2417 kts
- Windy days
- 6/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.6–1.7 m8s period
- Temperature
- 13–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Baboon Point (Elands Bay) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.6–1.7 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rocks
- strong rip currents/strong drift along the point
- thick kelp beds (fins/foils can get caught)
- great white sharks
- cold water (hypothermia risk)
- submerged rocks along the point
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence indicated.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue services are provided by NSRI; nearest stations cited for the region.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Vredenburg or Piketberg (over an hour away). Emergency number in South Africa is 112 (from a mobile phone).
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Localism is indicated as none for the surf peak, though etiquette is still expected.
Rules of the spot
Respect strict surf etiquette at the competitive peak area; expect strong currents and rocky, kelp-covered launch/landing zones.
- Launch zone is restricted by terrain and rocks at the point.
- Use the thickest wetsuit/booties you have; cold water is a key risk.
- Watch the kelp—thick kelp can grab fins and cause sudden wipeouts.
- If wind is very strong or conditions are blown out, reduce exposure and stay within safe areas.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Elands Bay (town)
- Nearest Town
- Velddrif (last refuel point)
- Parking
- Park on the town side of the wave at the new signposted parking area; you cannot park in front of the wave anymore.
- Public Transport
- virtually non-existent; private rental car or 4x4 essential
- Access
- From Cape Town, follow R27 north to Velddrif, then take the coastal road to Elands Bay; the last 2 km is dirt. Parking is on the town side of the wave at signposted access across from the former front-of-wave spot.
- Local Language
- English, Afrikaans
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Accommodation is available in/near Elands Bay (guesthouses, hotel, and a municipal campsite), described as near.
- Food & Drink
- A few small restaurants and a basic grocery store in Elands Bay.
- Equipment Rental:
- No local rentals; bring all your own gear.
- Gear Storage
- No storage facilities indicated.
- Gear Repair
- Nearest repairs are in Cape Town; none indicated locally.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Elands Bay Coast is described as a quiet, rustic fishing village that becomes a hub for serious water-sports enthusiasts, with natural conditions and a slower pace of life.
A RAMSAR-protected coastal lake and wetland system famous for birdwatching.
Provincial Heritage Site containing significant San rock art and archaeological remains.
Trails offering panoramic views of the Atlantic coast and the Cederberg mountains.
Local landmark serving seafood and traditional West Coast fare.
Expansive sandy beaches and rocky pools ideal for families and nature walks.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Baboon Point (Elands Bay)?
The best overall months at Baboon Point (Elands Bay) are June, July, August, November, December, January, February. The best wind months are November, December, January, February, March, October, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Baboon Point (Elands Bay)?
Baboon Point (Elands Bay) works with E winds. Offshore directions are E. No-go directions are N, NNE, NE, ENE, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Baboon Point (Elands Bay)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Baboon Point (Elands Bay): Kitesurfing: 6–10 m² · Windsurfing: 3.7–5 m² · Wingfoiling: 3.5–5 m².
What skill level is Baboon Point (Elands Bay) suitable for?
Baboon Point (Elands Bay) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Expert · Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.