Seconds (Somerset West Coast)

KitesurfingSurfing
Wave, Shortboard
Best for
Expert
Skill Level
Small waves, Swell
Spot Type
Empty
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Seconds is a high-quality reef-coral surf break on the Somerset West Coast that’s known for consistently producing an A-frame shape. The wave pattern can go both left and right, with reports describing very consistent frequency through the year and “epic” wave quality for experienced surfers. The spot works across all tides, including rising and falling conditions. Surf tends to start working at under 1 m and can hold up to roughly 2.5 m+, with bigger swell described as staying more manageable rather than quickly closing out. Typical rides are reported in the 50–150 m range, with good days extending to around 150–300 m. The break is characterized as exposed, and the wind can play an important role—offshore-favoring winds are described in relation to surf quality. Access is a major consideration: the break is on or adjacent to private property, and entry is described as going through a fence at the Pipe area followed by a walk along the beach (about 1 km) to reach the peak. Because access is sensitive, sources strongly emphasize avoiding trespassing and being respectful of security boundaries. For wind sports, Seconds can also suit kitesurfing during the southeasterly to southwesterly summer wind window (best months cited as January, February, March, November, and December). Reported wind ranges are around 15–25 knots. However, reef and animal-related hazards, combined with shallow/complex sections, make it better suited to more capable riders.

  • Very consistent A-frame reef-coral surf
  • All-tides usability
  • Rides commonly 50–150 m; longer on optimal days
  • Reliable summer SE–SW wind window for kitesurfing
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardKitesurfing waveKitesurfing freeride
What's great
  • Very consistent A-frame reef-coral break with excellent lefts and rights.
  • Works on all tides and holds size well up to around 2.5 m+.
  • Summer southeasterly “Cape Doctor” winds provide a reliable window for kitesurfing.
Heads up
  • Reef/rock/coral hazards and strong rip-current risk near reef sections.
  • Spot is on/adjacent to private property with sensitive access; don’t trespass.
  • Experienced-level surf conditions: shallow reef sections and powerful waves.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Southeasterly to southwesterly airflow suitable for kiting; providers also describe summer “Cape Doctor” sea-breeze build.
Reliability
very-consistent
Gust Factor
Steady — Sources describe steady to moderate gustiness.
Best Months
January, February, March, November, December
Recommended Kite Sizes
7–10 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Small waves, Swell
Beach
Sand — Sand beach with tidal fluctuations.
Beach Size
Tidal
Waves
Big — Sources vary (huge vs medium), but working ranges extend from less than 1 m to about 2.5 m+.
Launch
Small — Small tidal beach behind dunes; walk-in access with launch restricted by tide and fencing in places.
Launch Difficulty
Difficult — Launching and reaching the peak can be difficult due to tide restrictions and private-property fencing.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
14–21 °C
Water Temperature
13–28 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb, Mar: 3/2mmApr–Nov: 4/3mmJun, Jul, Aug: 4/3mm + HoodDec–Mar: 2/3mm
Crowds by Season

Generally empty/very quiet throughout; weekday and weekend crowds are reported as empty.

Storm/Rain Season

June–August (winter cold fronts; higher rainfall and stronger frontal winds; occasional storms).

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Kitesurfing is possible with southeasterly to southwesterly winds; described as a wave-riding spot with reef hazards and remote access that requires independent skills.

FreerideWave
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Very consistent reef-coral A-frame break producing excellent lefts and rights with epic wave quality for experienced surfers. Works from less than 1 m up to 2.5 m+ and holds its shape well on bigger swell.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
SW, WSW
Swell Height
0.5–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
All tides — All tides are reported to work, including rising and falling tides.
Shelter
Exposed — Reef-coral exposure with no reported sheltering features.
Wind Effect
Offshore-wind-favors are described in relation to wind direction; wind is generally relevant for surf quality.
Bigger Swell
Holds size well up to about 2.5 m and beyond; keeps producing rather than immediately closing out.
Wave Quality
Excellent — Epic / excellent quality reported.
Wave Power
Powerful
Wave Shape
Mixed — Described as an A-frame reef-coral break; one source specifies peeling wave.
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Long — Normal rides typically 50–150 m; can reach 150–300 m on good days.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Standard rides range from 50 to 150 m; can reach 150 to 300 m on optimal days.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Seconds (Somerset West Coast) in the full forecast view.

Seconds (Somerset West Coast) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–15 ktsGusts 29 kts
Direction
S189°
Strongest day
Mon, Oct 2615 kts
Windy days
3/712 kts or more
Waves
0.3–1.2 m8s period
Temperature
14–29 °C

Over the next 7 days, Seconds (Somerset West Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 29 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 0.3–1.2 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
  • Reef
  • Coral
  • Animals
  • Great White Sharks
  • Strong rip currents
  • Security issues related to private property
Ability Level: Expert
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeashBootsWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguard presence reported.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
No — No dedicated rescue availability at the spot; regional coverage is handled by NSRI for sea rescues.
Emergency Info
Nearest hospitals are in Somerset West; call NSRI for sea rescues. Mobile emergency number: 112.
Localism / Vibe
Moderate — Local culture is described as sensitive due to private access, with expectations to respect boundaries.

Rules of the spot

Access is sensitive because the break is on/adjacent to private property; do not trespass—go through the fence at the Pipe area and be mindful of security boundaries. Surfing rules emphasize experienced surfers only.

Restrictions
  • Private property access; no trespassing signs may be present.
  • Experienced surfers only.
Local Tips
  • Walk about 1 km along the beach from the Pipe area to locate the A-frame reef break.
  • Avoid surfing alone due to shark risk in the False Bay area.
  • Be respectful of private property boundaries and security guards; access is often restricted.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Cape Town
Nearest Town
Somerset West
Nearest Airport
Cape Town International Airport
Parking
Park at public parking at The Pipe in Strand and walk along the shoreline.
Public Transport
Metrorail to Strand is available but often unreliable for carrying sports equipment
Access
Private property access via a fence at the Pipe (Strand Pipe / Strand area); walk along the beach (~1 km) to find the peak.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English, Afrikaans, Xhosa
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 Seconds (Somerset West Coast)?

The best overall months at Seconds (Somerset West Coast) are January, February, March, May, June, July, August. The best wind months are January, February, March, November, December.

Which wind directions work at Seconds (Somerset West Coast)?

Seconds (Somerset West Coast) works with SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Seconds (Somerset West Coast)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Seconds (Somerset West Coast): Kitesurfing: 7–10 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.

What skill level is Seconds (Somerset West Coast) suitable for?

Seconds (Somerset West Coast) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Surfing: Expert.