Second Beach (Port St Johns)

Second Beach (Port St Johns) is an exposed Wild Coast beach break known for winter consistency and for producing rideable waves with both left- and right-hand options. While multiple sources note that surf can vary and may close out, conditions tend to be most reliable during June (with broader winter consistency suggested by additional data). Southeast swell is reported as the optimal swell direction for the break, with working swell heights commonly described around roughly 1.0–2.5 m (and up to about 3.0 m in one dataset). When conditions line up with northwest winds, offshore/cleaner conditions are expected; however, overall wind reliability is reported as low, so it’s important to check conditions closely before committing. Safety is the overriding factor at this location. Sharks are consistently cited as the key hazard, including extremely high shark risk (with references to Bull sharks/Zambezi sharks), alongside strong rip currents/side drift and a heavy shore break. Entry is often restricted during high-risk periods, lifeguards are only seasonal, and sea rescue is limited—so the practical implication is that surfing is best approached with heightened caution, clear decision-making, and strict buddy behavior (never alone). Water and air temperatures are typically cooler in winter (water about 17–20°C in July/August-range reports, and warming toward 23–25°C by summer). The area has practical amenities such as toilets, parking, and nearby food options, but it remains a wilderness-style, safety-critical beach—plan to be self-sufficient and treat conditions as dynamic, especially after heavy rains.