Seconds (Somerset West Coast)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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.
- 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.
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
Generally empty/very quiet throughout; weekday and weekend crowds are reported as empty.
June–August (winter cold fronts; higher rainfall and stronger frontal winds; occasional storms).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Kitesurfing is possible with southeasterly to southwesterly winds; described as a wave-riding spot with reef hazards and remote access that requires independent skills.
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.
- 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.
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.
Other spots in the area
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
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.
- Private property access; no trespassing signs may be present.
- Experienced surfers only.
- 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
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
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.