DerdeSteen
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate to Expert
- Skill Level
- Medium waves, Ocean, Mixed
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
DerdeSteen is a sandy, spacious beach break on the Blouberg beachfront area, reported with medium-wave conditions and clean water. The launching/landing area is described as large, with deepening water quickly after the shorebreak, and the bottom is predominantly sand. For wind sports, the best wind direction for the spot is reported as SW, with the strongest/most consistent season in summer. One provider notes that summer conditions bring strong afternoon winds, building in the early afternoon and peaking in the late afternoon, while another provider reports a thermal window roughly from 13:00 to 19:00. Typical wind ranges are reported in the mid- to high-teens up to the mid-30s in knots, with generally high reliability during summer. Kitesurfing is the primary fit here, with skill guidance centered on intermediate riders (with expert riders also enjoying the spot when conditions suit). The spot is described as producing wave-riding opportunities and freeride potential, and recommended kite sizes reported as commonly in the 7–9 m range for average-weight riders. Surfing conditions are also reported as possible but with higher risk factors due to strong currents and hazards. Safety-wise, strong rip currents and undertow are repeatedly emphasized, along with submerged rocks and kelp beds (particularly at low tide). Wetsuits are mandatory year-round because the Atlantic water stays cold, and local advice stresses riding with a buddy due to the currents and the distance to nearby facilities.
- Long sandy beach with lots of space for launching
- SW is the best wind direction for kitesurfing
- Cold water: wetsuit always needed
- Strong rips/undertow and rocks are the key hazards
- Long, sandy beach with ample space for kite launching.
- SW wind is the best direction for wind sports.
- Generally reliable summer wind and clean water quality reported.
- Cold water: wetsuit always needed.
- Strong rip currents/undertow—plan entry and exit carefully.
- Watch for submerged rocks/kelp, especially at low tide.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW
- Offshore directions
- ENE, E, NE
- Wind Range
- 15–35 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Cape Doctor-style thermal wind pattern; builds during the afternoon and peaks late afternoon.
- Reliability
- generally reliable during summer
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gustiness reported for the spot/area in summer.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, December
- Thermal Window
- Sea breeze · Afternoon · Dir: S, SE, E, NE, NNE, SW · Local thermal wind typically kicks in early afternoon and peaks late afternoon/into evening.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves, Ocean, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium — Providers report small to medium surf/waves; one provider describes small waves while another describes medium waves.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Choppy conditions reported in some wind directions for surfing (SE side/cross-shore tendency).
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach with ample space for kite setup and launching; also described as long sandy beach with lots of space.
Through the year
Moderately busy in summer; less crowded than Big Bay.
Winter (June to August) brings frontal storms and rain.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Intermediate-to-expert kitesurfing on a sandy, spacious launch with medium waves in SW wind; reported as cleaner/larger than nearby breaks on suitable days.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–9 m²
Excellent wave sailing conditions with side-shore wind and well-spaced swell.
- Sail Sizes
- 3.7–5.3 m²
Challenging due to shorebreak and waves; doable only for experienced riders on smaller swell days.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil-friendly is reported as limited.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 3–5 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for DerdeSteen in the full forecast view.
DerdeSteen wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–17 ktsGusts 30 kts
- Direction
- S184°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2517 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–2.7 m9s period
- Temperature
- 13–32 °C
Over the next 7 days, DerdeSteen is forecast for daytime winds of 2–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 30 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 0.8–2.7 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
- Strong rip currents
- Undertow
- Submerged rocks
- Kelp beds (especially at low tide)
- Heavy shorebreak
- Great White Sharks (rare but present in the region)
- Localism
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Yes — Regional rescue coverage by NSRI and local emergency response services; spot-level rescue was also reported as not available by one provider, so treat as variable and confirm locally before entry.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Table View/Bloubergstrand.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Mild localism reported.
Rules of the spot
Standard right-of-way rules apply; wave riders have priority on the wave. Standard advice is to avoid rip currents and rocks.
- Avoid rocks and rip currents
- Negotiate/plan around dangerous rips and undertow when surfing.
- Cold water: a thick wetsuit is mandatory year-round.
- Ride with a buddy due to strong currents and the distance to facilities.
- Be especially cautious around isolated submerged rocks/kelp at low tide.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Cape Town
- Nearest Town
- Bloubergstrand
- Parking
- Dedicated open-air parking lot at the beach entrance (first open car park after Big Bay). Some parking may require a walk to the break.
- Public Transport
- MyCiTi bus service runs through the Blouberg and Table View area.
- Access
- Follow the signs to the beach of Blouberg, then go past Big Bay to the first open car park. Parking can be a 30-minute walk depending on where you park.
- Local Language
- English, Afrikaans
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Numerous guest houses and hotels in Big Bay and Bloubergstrand.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities at the spot; shops and restaurants located 1-2 km south in Big Bay.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available in the Big Bay area (and nearby commercial hubs).
- Gear Storage
- Many dedicated guest houses and schools offer secure gear storage and washing facilities for residents (regional context).
- Gear Repair
- Several repair shops are located in the nearby Table View industrial area.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Blouberg beachfront corridor offers a widely recognized wind-sports scene alongside iconic coastal scenery and nearby nature/outdoor options.
Famous views of Table Mountain across Table Bay.
Spectacular views of Table Mountain and the city centre.
Iconic views of Robben Island and Table Mountain from the coastline.
Downwind kite sessions from Sunset Beach to Big Bay (area activity).
Hiking and birdwatching; seasonal highlights include flower blooms.
Restaurant and cafe strip along the Table View to Melkbosstrand beachfront.
An iconic spot for sundowners on the lawn.
Beaches with calmer sections and easy shore access in parts of the beachfront corridor.
A rehabilitation center for seabirds, particularly the African Penguin.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at DerdeSteen?
The best overall months at DerdeSteen are December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, March, December.
Which wind directions work at DerdeSteen?
DerdeSteen works with SW winds. Offshore directions are ENE, E, NE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at DerdeSteen?
Recommended equipment sizes at DerdeSteen: Kitesurfing: 7–9 m² · Windsurfing: 3.7–5.3 m² · Wingfoiling: 3–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–35 kts.
What skill level is DerdeSteen suitable for?
DerdeSteen suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate to Expert · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced.