Factory Point (Swakopmund)

KitesurfingWingfoilingSurfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Surfing shortboardKitesurfing freerideKitesurfing wave
What's great
  • 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
Heads up
  • 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
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
12–17 °C
Water Temperature
13–23 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 4/3mm to 5/4mm + Boots, Gloves, Hood
Storm/Rain Season

Very low rainfall; fog is the primary weather concern.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Wave-oriented kitesurfing that can work well for down-the-line riding when the south wind aligns with the swell.

FreerideWaveStrapless
Kite Sizes
7–10 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

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
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed reef/point break with consistently reported reef surf; works best with a west-southwest swell combined with an offshore wind.

Reef breakPoint break
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.
Forecast

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
SW220°
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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsLeashGlovesHood

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.

Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.