Factory Point (Swakopmund)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Medium waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Factory Point is a remote, exposed reef-and-point break north of Swakopmund, known for fairly consistent surf. The spot’s layout produces reef breaks and point dynamics with variable left/right wave possibilities depending on swell and takeoff line, but it’s generally described as a reef and point break that can deliver rideable surf when conditions line up. For surfing, sources emphasize the combination of a west-to-west-southwest swell and offshore wind favoring cleaner faces. Surf is reported as good, with reef waves that can be mixed in character; rides are described as medium in length, with the potential for longer walling when the swell is favorable. The spot is exposed, so expect stronger exposure to wind and weather, and plan for challenging access and water conditions. Wind and kitesurfing opportunities are tied to a South/South-West wind regime with an afternoon acceleration component. The best wind months are described across late summer into winter (and the summer season into early autumn), and typical wind strength is given as roughly 15–25 knots. Kitesurfing is described as advanced-focused, especially for wave riding or strapless styles when the wind aligns with swell direction. Safety is a major consideration: submerged rocks/reefs are present along the point, and marine life hazards (including sharks and animal activity around seal colonies) are specifically noted. Water is extremely cold, and strong currents/longshore drift are reported, so the spot is best treated as an experienced-rider destination with self-sufficient logistics, appropriate cold-water gear, and extra attention around animal/reef zones.
- Exposed reef/point surf with fairly consistent conditions
- Low crowd profile
- South/South-West winds support wave-oriented kitesurfing in seasonal windows
- Cold, reefy coastline with strong currents—requires self-sufficiency
- Pretty consistent surf reported for an exposed reef/point break
- Low crowd due to remoteness
- South/South-West wind regime supports wave-oriented kitesurfing in the right months
- Works with west-family swells for surfing
- Exposed reef spot with hazards including rocks and sharks
- Cold year-round water (Benguela Current) increases gear demands
- Remote access with no formal rescue or lifeguards
- Can be difficult to paddle out on larger swells
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SSW, SW
- Offshore directions
- E
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Stronger afternoon onshore acceleration linked to desert heating and morning fog; coastal South/South-West wind regime.
- Reliability
- High during the spring and summer months.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves
- Beach
- Mixed — Reef and mixed areas; also described as reef composition.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Also described as medium; overall reef surf is presented as smaller-to-medium scale depending on conditions.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy sections between rocky outcrops and reefs.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate
Through the year
Very low rainfall; fog is the primary weather concern.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Wave-oriented kitesurfing that can work well for down-the-line riding when the south wind aligns with the swell.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Possible but challenging due to rocky bottom and cold water/current conditions.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Rocky bottom and conditions make foiling more demanding.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–5 m²
Exposed reef/point break with consistently reported reef surf; works best with a west-southwest swell combined with an offshore wind.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- W
- Swell Height
- 1.5–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — A mid to high tide is also noted as a time to catch waves.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- South winds can create side-shore texture; morning land breezes can groom the face. Offshore from the east is described as desirable.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger swells but can become more difficult to paddle out.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Reported as having good wave quality, with fairly consistent surf.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Sources also describe peeling/mixed reef breaks.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Can offer longer walling rides on a good swell.
- Ride Length Details
- Medium-length rides with the potential for long walling runs on a good west swell.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Factory Point (Swakopmund) in the full forecast view.
Factory Point (Swakopmund) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–16 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- SW219°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 2716 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.2–1.6 m9s period
- Temperature
- 13–22 °C
Over the next 7 days, Factory Point (Swakopmund) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 1.2–1.6 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
- Marine animals
- Strong currents
- Cold water
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No formal rescue services reported.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Henties Bay or Swakopmund. Namibia local emergency: 112 or +264 64 412 200.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism indicated; the limiting factor is remoteness and low user numbers.
Rules of the spot
Remote spot with very few users; riders must be self-sufficient.
- Be aware of the proximity to seal colonies which can attract sharks.
- The water is extremely cold—use a thick wetsuit and boots.
- The spot is remote; bring a reliable vehicle and emergency supplies.
- Mind seal/animal activity and submerged reefs/rocks along the point.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Swakopmund
- Nearest Town
- Henties Bay
- Nearest Airport
- Walvis Bay International Airport (WVB)
- Parking
- Unstructured parking on the sand/gravel near the ruins of the old factory.
- Public Transport
- Non-existent; access typically requires private 4x4 / self-drive logistics.
- Access
- Accessible via the C34 salt road north of Henties Bay. A 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is recommended for reaching the water's edge.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- English, Afrikaans, German
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses and camping are available in Henties Bay, approximately 10km to the south.
- Food & Drink
- Basic supplies and restaurants are located in Henties Bay; no facilities at the spot.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rental facilities at the spot; shops are located in Swakopmund.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Factory Point (Swakopmund)?
The best overall months at Factory Point (Swakopmund) are May, June, July, August, September, October, November. The best wind months are January, February, March, August, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Factory Point (Swakopmund)?
Factory Point (Swakopmund) works with S, SSW, SW winds. Offshore directions are E.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Factory Point (Swakopmund)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Factory Point (Swakopmund): Kitesurfing: 7–10 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Factory Point (Swakopmund) suitable for?
Factory Point (Swakopmund) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate.