Cemetery (Ward 43)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Cemetery is an exposed beach break on the Cape Peninsula that produces both left and right waves, but it only works when conditions are “just right.” The spot is best planned around April, when activity and surf quality are reported to peak, though there’s still an emphasis that conditions aren’t consistently clean year-round. For surfing, the break is described as exposed, with peeling sections and moderate overall wave power. When it’s on, waves can be punchier than some more protected nearby alternatives, and rides are typically short to medium in length (reported around 50–100 meters). Low tide is cited as best for planning, while other notes also describe it as workable across all-tides depending on swell/wind alignment. Wind-wise, offshore conditions are described from the west, with additional planning notes indicating north and northeast winds can groom the wave faces. In April, the wind statistics provided indicate a mix of small conditions, some clean windows, and a meaningful blown-out fraction—so it’s important to check wind direction and strength day-of. Safety is the top concern: rip currents are common and the coastline is associated with shark risk in False Bay, with rocks and scattered shoreline hazards also reported. Sources recommend extra caution around shark-safety program flags and, where possible, to surf with a partner. Rescue availability is described as limited and lifeguards as seasonal.
- Exposed beach break with lefts and rights
- April highlighted for best conditions
- Offshore west wind helps (cleaner faces)
- Cool water year-round (roughly mid-teens °C)
- Classic exposed beach break with both left and right waves.
- April is highlighted for better conditions.
- Offshore west winds can improve wave face cleanliness.
- Exposed conditions—works only when all factors align.
- Rip currents are common.
- Shark risk is a major consideration in False Bay.
- Rocks and scattered debris near shore sections add hazards.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W
- Offshore directions
- W
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Offshore winds are reported from the west; local wind direction notes also reference north/northeast for cleaner conditions.
- Reliability
- 29% blown out, 10% clean, 61% small in April (low reliability overall).
- Best Months
- April
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium — Medium surf when conditions are aligned; can be small/limited at times depending on wind/swell.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Water type is described as chop.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach with ample space for preparing gear and entry.
Through the year
Sometimes crowded, especially on weekends/school holidays and on good April days.
Winter (June to August) is the peak rainfall season with frontal weather systems.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Rideable in southeast winds, but waves can be punchy/technical for launching. (Primarily a surf spot.)
- Kite Sizes
- 8–12 m²
Possible in higher tides to clear the shorebreak, but the beach-break nature is less ideal than nearby flat-water options.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil friendliness is described as limited.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
An exposed beach break on the Cape Peninsula with both left and right waves. It only works when conditions are just right; there’s no strong seasonal pattern for consistently clean waves.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSE, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low — Low tide is reported as best (also described as workable across tides in other notes).
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open exposure on an exposed beach break.
- Wind Effect
- Best with offshore west wind; north/northeast winds are described as offshore/grooming for cleaner wave faces.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and close out during very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Quality can be inconsistent; the spot is described as working only when conditions align.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Generally described as exposed with powerful sections when it’s on.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Wave shape is described as peeling.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — More punchy/energetic sections can develop depending on conditions.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Short to medium rides are typical when conditions are right.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Waves typically provide short-to-medium rides with punchy sections.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Cemetery (Ward 43) in the full forecast view.
Cemetery (Ward 43) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–17 ktsGusts 33 kts
- Direction
- S178°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2517 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–1.9 m7s period
- Temperature
- 15–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, Cemetery (Ward 43) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 33 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 0.5–1.9 m with a period of about 7s. 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
- Rip currents
- Sharks
- Rocks
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are described as seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited (spot-level and regional notes).
- Emergency Info
- National emergency number: 112. Emergency services are described as available in Mitchells Plain; False Bay is monitored by maritime safety services and shark safety spotters. (Per provider notes, NSRI/sea-rescue monitoring is referenced.)
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Local lineup etiquette is emphasized; respect local surfers.
Rules of the spot
Standard beach safety and surfing etiquette applies. Respect local surfers in the lineup.
- False Bay is known for Great White Sharks—always surf with extra caution.
- Always surf with a partner due to the shark risk.
- Keep an eye on shark safety/spotter flags if active.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Cape Town
- Nearest Town
- Mitchells Plain
- Parking
- Public parking available at the beach front; security awareness is advised.
- Public Transport
- Limited public transport via Golden Arrow buses and minibus taxis; private transport is recommended for equipment.
- Access
- Accessible via Baden Powell Drive, with a dedicated turn-off near the Strandfontein cemetery.
- Local Language
- English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses are available in the wider False Bay area and Muizenberg.
- Food & Drink
- Limited facilities at the beach; more options are available in nearby Mitchells Plain or Muizenberg.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The False Bay coastline around Cape Town blends raw coastal scenery with urban convenience; the broader Ward 43 area benefits from proximity to the Muizenberg surf hub.
World Heritage Site with panoramic views.
Iconic flat-topped mountain overlooking Cape Town.
Coastal reserve protecting limestone cliffs and indigenous flora with significant archaeological value.
Table Mountain Cable Car to the summit.
Safety program focused on shark conservation and coastal safety.
Local eateries and waterfront dining.
Popular beachfront restaurant and bar with a lively atmosphere.
One of the largest coastal swimming pool complexes in the southern hemisphere.
Historic city center and waterfront.
Coastal parks and recreational zones.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Cemetery (Ward 43)?
The best overall months at Cemetery (Ward 43) are March, April, May. The best wind months are April.
Which wind directions work at Cemetery (Ward 43)?
Cemetery (Ward 43) works with W winds. Offshore directions are W.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Cemetery (Ward 43)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Cemetery (Ward 43): Kitesurfing: 8–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m².
What skill level is Cemetery (Ward 43) suitable for?
Cemetery (Ward 43) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.