De Kelders
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
De Kelders is an exposed reef-and-sand (reef-dominant) surfing spot centered on sharp limestone/reef structures. It works from less than 1 m and is reported to hold up to around 3 m and beyond, with waves often described as hollow, fast, and powerful. The break can produce both left and right directions, with conditions typically best when wind and swell align. Wind-wise, the spot is associated with North winds, which are described as offshore and help groom the swell into clean, hollow faces. One source also highlights a high degree of consistency across the season (about 150 rideable days per year), and another notes the spot is most active in summer—particularly January—while a separate set of details emphasizes a winter swells/offshore window. Overall, it’s a reliable choice for surfers seeking reef-wave shape rather than long, beachy rides. Safety is the dominant concern at De Kelders. Strong rip currents are specifically highlighted, and hazards include rocks, submerged reef/coral areas, kelp, and sharks. Local guidance recommends avoiding entry at higher-risk times for sharks (notably dawn and dusk, and after heavy rains) and taking extra care with the rugged access—consider using booties if you are not comfortable with rock entries. Crowds tend to be low: weekdays are reported empty and weekends have only a few surfers. The spot’s wave quality is generally described as good/regional classic when conditions are right, and it’s commonly targeted by intermediate surfers, with wave lengths often short (typically under 50 m) but capable of becoming much longer (roughly 150–300 m) on good days.
- Hollow, fast, powerful reef waves
- Works on all tides, with falling tide noted as favorable
- Rarely crowded (especially weekdays)
- Very consistent reef break with waves that can hold size
- Produces both left and right waves
- Rarely crowded, especially on weekdays
- Rugged reef entries and difficult access at times
- Strong rip currents and heavy hazards from sharp reef/rocks
- Significant shark presence in the area
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N
- Offshore directions
- E
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Providers describe the North wind as a frontal/seasonal wind influence for the spot.
- Reliability
- 58% clean waves in January; moderate overall
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusting reported.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September, January
- Shadow Zones
- High limestone cliffs can provide some protection from easterly winds but can create turbulence.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Mixed — Reef with sand (reef-and-sand setup).
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Reported as small by one provider, but also described as holding up to 3 m+ when conditions build.
- Launch
- Small — One source notes instant access; another describes difficult access involving rocky shoreline/rocky entries.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Instant access noted by one provider; another provider describes difficult access due to limestone/rocky shoreline and rock jumps.
Through the year
Empty on weekdays; peak shore-based whale-watching interest can bring more tourists in winter months.
Winter months (June to August) see the most rainfall and frequent cold fronts.
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed reef-and-sand (reef-dominant) break with hollow, fast waves producing both left and right directions. Works across all tides; strong rip currents and hazards from rocks/reef are a key consideration.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW, S
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides, All tides — Sources indicate it works across all tides; one note also highlights falling tide as favorable.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed reef setup against open Atlantic swell; some cliff-related protection from easterly winds, but overall conditions are exposed.
- Wind Effect
- Best with north wind; north winds are described as offshore and can groom the swell into clean, hollow faces.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds up to about 3 m and can remain organized on larger swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Often described as good/regional classic when winds align.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Hollow and powerful; capable of handling larger swells.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Often described as hollow.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Waves peel quickly with fast transitions from the takeoff section.
- Ride Length
- Short — Typically short, but can link for longer rides when conditions align.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typically short and punchy with normal lengths under about 50 m; can get longer (around 150–300 m) on a good day.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for De Kelders in the full forecast view.
De Kelders wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–13 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- SSE147°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2513 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–2.6 m9s period
- Temperature
- 13–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, De Kelders is forecast for daytime winds of 3–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is SSE. Waves run 0.8–2.6 m with a period of about 9s. 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
- Sharks
- Sharp reef/coral
- Strong rip currents
- Submerged rocks
- Kelp
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Sea rescue coverage is reported for the nearby Walker Bay/Hermanus area (NSRI Station 17). No direct spot rescue availability reported at the beach.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Gansbaai; NSRI (National Sea Rescue Institute) Station 17 is located in nearby Hermanus.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Localism described as mild; generally rarely crowded.
Rules of the spot
General surfing etiquette applies; respect the local environment and wildlife.
- Take care of the strong rips.
- This area is a known Great White Shark hotspot; avoid surfing at dawn, dusk, or after heavy rains.
- Access can be tricky due to limestone rocks; wear booties if you are not comfortable with rock entries.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Hermanus
- Nearest Town
- De Kelders
- Parking
- Parking at lookout points and cul-de-sacs along the cliff edge; instant access within walking distance.
- Access
- Instant access from the town area (De Kelders) just before reaching Gansbaai; take a car.
- Local Language
- English, Afrikaans
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Numerous guesthouses and B&Bs in De Kelders and Gansbaai.
- Food & Drink
- Local cafes and restaurants are located in Gansbaai, about a 5-minute drive away.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited rental options locally; better to bring your own gear or visit shops in Hermanus.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A coastal nature reserve with hiking trails and pristine beaches.
World-famous shark cage diving and surface viewing in nearby Gansbaai.
A local cafe known for views over Walker Bay.
Land-based whale watching is among the best in the world during the breeding season.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at De Kelders?
The best overall months at De Kelders are January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are May, June, July, August, September, January.
Which wind directions work at De Kelders?
De Kelders works with N winds. Offshore directions are E.
What skill level is De Kelders suitable for?
De Kelders suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.