Selis

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Chop
Spot Type
Busy
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Selis is a well-regarded Cape Town beach-break where surfers can find both left and right waves. The swell typically starts working at less than 1m and can hold up into 4m+ conditions, with normal ride lengths commonly in the 50–150m range. Wave quality is described as a “regional classic,” and the break is generally set up for fun, peeling sections. For timing, the spot is reported to be best on low and mid tide, with an additional note that a rising tide can also be favorable. Optimal swells come from the south-west, and the wave can be best when wind comes from the east, north-east, or south-east—matching the typical wind window described for the spot. Safety-wise, the main hazards are rocks and reef, with specific warning to watch for submerged rocks at low tide. Cold water conditions are also emphasized, and seasonal lifeguard coverage is reported. Local guidance also stresses following standard water-sport etiquette and respecting the local lineup. Beyond surfing, the same coastline area supports wind and kite disciplines in appropriate wind conditions. Reported wind-sport wind strength is commonly in the 15–35 knot range, with the Cape Doctor thermal pattern building from late morning and peaking in the afternoon.

  • Beach-break with both left and right waves
  • Works from less than 1m up to 4m+ swell
  • Best on low/mid tide (and rising tide noted)
  • East to north-east to south-east wind window for surfing
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardBeginnersAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Consistent beach-break surf with both left and right waves.
  • Waves can build from under 1m to 4m+ swells.
  • Rising tide and low-to-mid tide are reported as favorable.
Heads up
  • Rocks and reef hazards (especially at lower tides).
  • Cold Atlantic water conditions.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
E, NE, ESE
Wind Range
15–35 kts
Wind Type
Thermal — Seasonal Cape Doctor style wind pattern with strong South-Easterly flow reinforced by the coastline (thermal).
Reliability
High during summer months
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts — Reported as moderate gusts.
Best Months
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September
Shadow Zones
Minimal due to the exposed coastline

Water & beach

Water Type
Chop
Beach
Sand — Sandy beach.
Beach Size
Big
Waves
Small — Surf works from less than 1m and can hold up to 4m+.
Chop Level
Moderate chop — Reported as chop water.
Launch
Big — Long sandy beach with plenty of space for setup.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
13–16 °C
Water Temperature
11–27 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Apr–Dec: 4/3mmJan, Feb, Mar: 4/3mm
Crowds by Season

Can get crowded on weekends and during peak summer holiday periods.

Storm/Rain Season

Winter months (June to August) are the primary rainy season.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level
WaveBig airDownwinder
Kite Sizes
7–10 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level
WaveFreeride
Sail Sizes
3.7–5.3 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Suitable for winging in the waves, but caution is advised due to shorebreak and rocks.

Foil Friendly
Yes
Min Depth
1.5 meters
Wing Sizes
3–5 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A beach-break peak with both left and right waves over a sandy/reef-mixed bottom; works from less than 1m up to 4m+ swells.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
SW
Swell Height
1–4 m
Optimal Tide
Low, Mid — Best on low and mid tide; rising tide is also noted as a good time.
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
Best with east/northeast/southeast winds; wind needs to be in that range for surf conditions.
Bigger Swell
Holds size well up to 4 meters plus.
Wave Quality
Good — Described as 'Regional Classic' for wave quality.
Wave Power
Moderate — Moderate wave power; also described as 'fun'.
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium — Peeling waves reported with medium peel speed.
Ride Length
Medium — Typical rides reported as 50 to 150 meters.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
50-150m typical; also described as medium rides with distances around 100m.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Selis in the full forecast view.

Selis wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–16 ktsGusts 29 kts
Direction
S175°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2516 kts
Windy days
5/712 kts or more
Waves
0.7–2.3 m9s period
Temperature
14–30 °C

Over the next 7 days, Selis is forecast for daytime winds of 2–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 29 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 0.7–2.3 m with a period of about 9s. 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
  • Sharks
  • Cold Water
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitLeashHood

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal
Rescue & Self-Rescue
No
Emergency Info
Nearest hospitals are in Milnerton and Cape Town city center.
Localism / Vibe
Mild

Rules of the spot

Standard surfing and kiting etiquette applies; respect the local lineup.

Local Tips
  • The spot is best on a rising tide.
  • Watch for submerged rocks at low tide.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Cape Town
Nearest Town
Table View
Parking
First parking lot after the roundabout on R27 coming from Cape Town.
Access
Park in the first parking lot after the roundabout coming from Cape Town on the R27. Instant access (< 5min walking distance).
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
English
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Toilets
Showers
Accommodation
Near — Numerous guest houses and hotels in Sunset Beach and Blouberg.
Food & Drink
Local cafes and restaurants in the nearby Milnerton and Table View areas.
Equipment Rental:
Available in the nearby Table View and Blouberg areas.
Gear Repair
Several repair shops for kites and boards in the Blouberg area.
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 Selis?

The best overall months at Selis are November, December, January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September.

Which wind directions work at Selis?

Selis works with E, NE, ESE winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Selis?

Recommended equipment sizes at Selis: Kitesurfing: 7–10 m² · Windsurfing: 3.7–5.3 m² · Wingfoiling: 3–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–35 kts.

What skill level is Selis suitable for?

Selis suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.