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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

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).
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboard
What's great
  • 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.
Heads up
  • Exposed conditions and remote access increase risk.
  • Sharks and rip currents are reported hazards.
  • Wind reliability is described as low for consistent results.
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
17–23 °C
Water Temperature
12–26 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb, Mar: 3/2mmJun, Jul, Aug: 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Usually very quiet; peak during South African school holidays

Storm/Rain Season

Summer months (November to March) often see more rain and thunderstorms

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

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.

Beach break
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.
Forecast

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.

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
  • Rip currents
  • Isolation
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitLeash

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.

Restrictions
  • No lifeguard coverage—do not rely on rescue on-site.
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

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.)
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

A quiet and self-reliant rider scene on the remote Wild Coast, with dramatic natural landscapes and strong wildlife potential.

Best time to visit: Autumn (April–May) is described as having the most pleasant weather with less wind; winter is noted as best for wind-seekers and consistent surf.
Hole in the Wall35 km

An iconic natural rock archway at the mouth of the Mpako River, steeped in local legend.

Traditional Xhosa Villages5 km

Authentic rural settlements offering insight into local Xhosa culture and customs.

Wild Coast Hiking Trail0 km

Rugged coastal hiking through some of South Africa’s most scenic and isolated landscapes.

Coffee Bay Lodges40 km

Small selection of rustic eateries and bars serving visitors in the nearest coastal hub.

Whale and Dolphin Watching0 km

Seasonal humpback whale sightings and year-round dolphin pods from the shoreline.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.