Scarborough Point (Cape Town)

Scarborough Point is an exposed left-hand point break on the Cape Peninsula near Simon’s Town. It’s described as technically demanding and often inconsistent, but when the wind is clean/offshore and a suitable groundswells lines up, the wave quality can be excellent. For surfing, the spot is generally associated with west-to-southwest/south swells and a mid-tide window; a rising mid-tide is also noted as particularly favorable. The point can hold meaningful size, with sources describing hollow sections and the ability to keep working on larger swells (up to around 4 meters and beyond). Typical rides are described as medium, with good days offering very long runs from the point and peeling into the bay. The wind pattern is described as thermal/“Cape Doctor” style, strengthening in the afternoon during the summer months. Southeast/east winds are repeatedly indicated as the more suitable/offshore direction for getting cleaner, groomed faces, while onshore flow (e.g., north-west) is described as messy. For wind sports, heavier gusts and a challenging launch environment (kelp/rocky bottom) mean the most suitable riding is generally for advanced/expert athletes. Safety planning is essential: hazards include rocks, thick kelp, strong rip currents/powerful tidal pull near the rocks, heavy shore break, and marine-life risks such as sharks and sea urchins. There is no lifeguard presence noted, and rescue availability is stated as no. Conservation-minded local behavior is mentioned, including etiquette expectations and staying on designated paths.