Feldskoen Bay
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Feldskoen Bay is an exposed beach break on the Wild Coast with sand-bottom beach conditions and surf available both left and right. It’s described as having relatively consistent surf for the right swell and wind combination, but conditions can still be fickle—so matching the forecast for both swell and offshore wind is important. Wind for surfing is reported primarily as coming from the north to north-northwest, which tends to offer cleaner/offshore conditions. Multiple sources identify May as the standout month, aligning with winter being the most consistent period for working swell on the Wild Coast. Some seasonal patterns also point to summer tending to be flatter. Safety is a key consideration at this remote coastline. The spot is reported to have rocks at/around the bay and hazards including sharks, with rip currents common along the Wild Coast. There is no lifeguard presence, and rescue availability is described as limited for this area—so surf with a partner, stay realistic about conditions, and plan access and emergency response carefully. Access is remote and typically requires gravel-road travel (high-clearance/4x4 recommended). Parking near the beach is limited, and most visitors base themselves inland in the Coffee Bay area for basic supplies and accommodation options before heading out to the shoreline.
- Exposed beach break on the Wild Coast with both left and right waves.
- Most favorable period identified for consistent surf in winter, especially May.
- Remote coastline with no lifeguard coverage and multiple hazards (rocks, sharks, rip currents).
- Exposed beach break with left and right waves available.
- Best season identified as winter (especially May) for more consistent surf.
- Typically very quiet/low-profile with limited crowding.
- Exposed conditions and remote access increase risk.
- Sharks and rip currents are reported hazards.
- Wind reliability is described as low for consistent results.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNW, NNE
- Offshore directions
- N, NNW
- No-go directions
- S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Wind type reported as gradient; best offshore winds are from the north-northwest for surfing conditions.
- Reliability
- low
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach composition reported.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Wave size reported as medium.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach flanked by rocky points; rocks at the ends of the bay.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch difficulty reported as moderate.
Through the year
Usually very quiet; peak during South African school holidays
Summer months (November to March) often see more rain and thunderstorms
By sport
What to expect for each.
An exposed Wild Coast beach break with relatively consistent surf for the right swell and wind combination; left and right waves are available but the surf can be fickle.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SE, S
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach break; not protected from prevailing conditions.
- Wind Effect
- North winds are reported to provide clean, offshore conditions; north-northwest is described as the best wind direction for this spot.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out on very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Reported wave quality is average.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Reported as moderate wave power.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Wave shape reported as mixed.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Reported peel speed is medium.
- Ride Length
- Short — Reported ride length is short.
- Ride Length Details
- Short rides are reported as typical.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Feldskoen Bay in the full forecast view.
Feldskoen Bay wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–16 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- E86°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 3016 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.5–3.3 m8s period
- Temperature
- 16–25 °C
Over the next 7 days, Feldskoen Bay is forecast for daytime winds of 2–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Friday, October 30 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 1.5–3.3 m with a period of about 8s. 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
- Rip currents
- Isolation
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue response is described as limited for this remote coastline; response times can be long.
- Emergency Info
- For emergencies: 112 (mobile). Police/emergency services: 10111; ambulance: 10177. Nearest major medical facilities are reported in Mthatha or East London.
Rules of the spot
Exposed Wild Coast conditions are remote and powerfully ocean-driven; plan for long response times and surf with conservative judgement.
- No lifeguard coverage—do not rely on rescue on-site.
- Always surf with a partner due to shark presence and remote coastline conditions.
- Be prepared for rip currents along the Wild Coast.
- Access can be remote (long walks or 4x4/high-clearance vehicle needs).
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Mthatha
- Nearest Town
- Coffee Bay
- Parking
- Limited informal parking near the beach
- Public Transport
- Extremely limited; access is via gravel roads requiring high-clearance vehicles/4x4s, with no reliable public transit to the coast
- Access
- Remote access via gravel roads; high-clearance vehicle recommended
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- English, Zulu
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Backpackers and lodges in nearby Coffee Bay.
- Food & Drink
- Basic supplies available in Coffee Bay.
- Equipment Rental:
- Very limited specialized wind-sport rental locally; visitors are advised to bring their own gear. (Surf-focused rental details are not specified at the spot.)
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A quiet and self-reliant rider scene on the remote Wild Coast, with dramatic natural landscapes and strong wildlife potential.
An iconic natural rock archway at the mouth of the Mpako River, steeped in local legend.
Authentic rural settlements offering insight into local Xhosa culture and customs.
Rugged coastal hiking through some of South Africa’s most scenic and isolated landscapes.
Small selection of rustic eateries and bars serving visitors in the nearest coastal hub.
Seasonal humpback whale sightings and year-round dolphin pods from the shoreline.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Feldskoen Bay?
The best overall months at Feldskoen Bay are May, June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Feldskoen Bay?
Feldskoen Bay works with N, NNW, NNE winds. Offshore directions are N, NNW. No-go directions are S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW.
What skill level is Feldskoen Bay suitable for?
Feldskoen Bay suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.