Rufanes River Mouth

Rufanes River Mouth is a remote, wide sandy beach launch near Port Alfred with clean water and medium-wave potential. The river-mouth geography can create changing sandbars that affect both kitesurfing and surfing conditions, so riders need to adapt session-to-session. For kitesurfing, the spot is characterized by a large launch/landing area and medium-wave riding, with wind commonly reported from ENE through to W/East/South directions. Strong currents near the river mouth—especially around tidal changes—are a primary hazard, so planning for safe riding zones and partner assistance is essential. Access is part of the challenge: the launch is about 1km from the main road via a poorly maintained track with potholes and a stream crossing, and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. There are no onsite facilities, and lifeguards/security are not present; the guidance emphasizes leaving car open and avoiding leaving radios/belongings, with hikers noted as the main concern. For surfing, the river mouth can produce beach-break conditions, but sandbars shift and overall wave quality is described as average. The break is exposed, and on very large swells it may become heavy and disorganized. A mid tide is suggested, with working swell direction most often South to South-West and swell heights typically in the 1.0 to 2.5 meter range.