Hullets Reef (Jeffreys Bay)

KitesurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Freeride, Shortboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Medium waves
Spot Type
Busy
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Hullets Reef (also known as Leftovers) is a powerful, exposed reef break in the Jeffreys Bay surf zone. For surfing, the wave character is repeatedly described as hollow, fast, and powerful, with both left and right sections, and a classic regional feel. Sources also indicate it starts working around roughly 1.0 to 1.5 meters and can hold up to around 4 meters or more, with longer rides on good days. The reef is the main challenge: bottom conditions include reef/rocky coral and sharp stones, and hazards are consistently flagged as rocks and sharks, with localism also noted. Entry and exit can be especially tough at low tide due to sharp mussel-covered rock, and strong rip currents are mentioned as a risk during larger sets. Because the waves can become very heavy on bigger swell, the spot is generally framed as intermediate-to-advanced for those comfortable operating around reef and managing heavier, faster faces. Wind opportunities exist, especially in spring-summer. Kite wind guidance points to East, East-Southeast, and Southeast directions, with best months listed as April through August. Where wind aligns offshore, it can help groom the reef faces for more controlled riding. For kite specifically, recommended kite sizes are typically in the 7 to 11 range and the spot is described as challenging due to the surrounding rocks and wave power. Seasonally, multiple sources emphasize October as a highlighted month for surf conditions, while broader seasonal summaries for the region point to winter months (May to September) as the most consistent swell and wind window. Wetsuits are recommended, and spring wetsuit guidance is repeatedly mentioned; a thicker winter option is also described in regional context. Overall, the spot is highly regarded but demands respect for local etiquette and careful reef hazard management.

  • Hollow, fast, powerful reef surf with both left and right waves
  • Kitesurfing works with East to ESE to SE winds (April to August)
  • Hazards: sharp reef rocks, coral, and sharks; localism risk
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardKitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveWingfoil freeride
What's great
  • Fast, hollow, powerful reef waves with both left and right options
  • Works across a wide part of the year with consistent reef surf described by multiple sources
  • Wind spot potential in spring-summer with East to ESE to SE winds
Heads up
  • Significant hazards from sharp reef rocks/coral and sharks
  • Strong currents can occur, especially on larger swells
  • Localism and exposed conditions require experience and good etiquette
  • Access and exit can be difficult and rough on sharp rock at low tide
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
E, ESE, SE
Offshore directions
N, NNE, NE, ENE, NW, WNW, W
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Providers describe frequent East–ESE–SE winds for kite; region context also notes Easterly/South-Easterly sea-breeze behavior in summer.
Reliability
moderate
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
April, May, June, July, August
Recommended Kite Sizes
7–11 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Medium waves
Beach
Reef — Reef-rocky bottom with sand and coral/sharp rocks mentioned.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Small — Surf starts around 1.0 to 1.5m and can build to 4m+; sources differ on the general category.
Launch
Small — Small sandy area with surrounding rocky reef sections.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Rocky launch and breaking waves can make access more difficult, particularly for kites/foilers.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
14–21 °C
Water Temperature
12–25 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Mar–Feb: 3/2mm or spring wetsuit guidanceJul, Aug: 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Peak swell events in October and winter can get quite busy.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months are most prone to frontal storms; rain is possible throughout the year with slightly higher chances in spring and autumn.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

A wave-riding kitesurfing spot that works in spring-summer with East to ESE to SE winds; rocky proximity and wave power make it more suitable for experienced riders.

FreerideWaveStrapless
Kite Sizes
7–11 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Possible beyond the reef break in deeper sections, but the rocky launch and breaking waves make it difficult for beginners.

Foil Friendly
Limited
Min Depth
1.5m
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed reef break with both lefts and rights; the right-hand wave is described as a fast/powerful wall, while the Leftovers left tends to be shorter but hollow.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
SE, SSE, SW, S
Swell Height
1–4 m
Optimal Tide
Mid — Also described as working around mid to high / rising tide.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed reef with limited natural shelter from wind and swell.
Wind Effect
Offshore grooming is best when winds align as offshore; winds can change how clean/fast the reef faces run.
Bigger Swell
Holds size well up to around 4 meters, becoming very heavy and challenging.
Wave Quality
Excellent — Regional classic / high-quality reef break.
Wave Power
Powerful — Hollow, fast, powerful reef waves.
Wave Shape
Hollow
Peel Speed
Fast
Ride Length
Long — Good day length: 150-300m; normal length: 50-150m.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Waves typically run for 50 to 150 meters, occasionally reaching 300 meters on exceptional days; a good day length is 150 to 300 meters.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Hullets Reef (Jeffreys Bay) in the full forecast view.

Hullets Reef (Jeffreys Bay) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–14 ktsGusts 26 kts
Direction
SE144°
Strongest day
Tue, Oct 2714 kts
Windy days
5/712 kts or more
Waves
0.8–1.7 m8s period
Temperature
15–23 °C

Over the next 7 days, Hullets Reef (Jeffreys Bay) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 0.8–1.7 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
  • Sharp rocks
  • Coral
  • Reef
  • Strong rip currents possible (especially during large swells)
  • Localism
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitLeashBootsImpact vest

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Regional context indicates rescue availability for the bay/coast via NSRI; spot-level providers state no rescue availability.
Emergency Info
Nearest medical facilities are in Jeffreys Bay town center; South Africa emergency number is 112 from mobile phones (nearest major medical facilities in Jeffreys Bay ~20 km or Humansdorp ~15 km).
Localism / Vibe
Moderate

Rules of the spot

Respect local surf etiquette strictly; hazards are significant (reef rocks, sharks, and localism).

Restrictions
  • Avoid unsafe conditions on exposed reef when you cannot confidently manage heavy waves and strong currents.
  • Use extreme care for access/entry over sharp reef when tides are low.
Local Tips
  • Rocks can be especially sharp due to mussels growing on them—cutting feet, wetsuit, and fins is pretty normal.
  • Water temperature isn’t too cold, but serious wind chill can occur—use decent rubber.
  • Keep a sharp eye out for submerged rocks during low tide.
  • The left-hand wave is often less crowded than the right-hander.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Jeffreys Bay
Nearest Town
Jeffreys Bay
Parking
Limited roadside parking or small designated lots nearby.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English, Afrikaans, Xhosa
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Numerous guesthouses and surf camps in Jeffreys Bay.
Food & Drink
Various restaurants and cafes located a short drive or walk away in town.
Equipment Rental:
Equipment rental is available via local schools and surf shops in Jeffreys Bay.
Gear Storage
Some schools and surf-focused lodges in the wider area offer gear storage (regional context).
Gear Repair
Surfboard and kite repair services available in the Jeffreys Bay area.
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 Hullets Reef (Jeffreys Bay)?

The best overall months at Hullets Reef (Jeffreys Bay) are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are April, May, June, July, August.

Which wind directions work at Hullets Reef (Jeffreys Bay)?

Hullets Reef (Jeffreys Bay) works with E, ESE, SE winds. Offshore directions are N, NNE, NE, ENE, NW, WNW, W.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Hullets Reef (Jeffreys Bay)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Hullets Reef (Jeffreys Bay): Kitesurfing: 7–11 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.

What skill level is Hullets Reef (Jeffreys Bay) suitable for?

Hullets Reef (Jeffreys Bay) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.