Selis
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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.
- Rocks and reef hazards (especially at lower tides).
- Cold Atlantic water conditions.
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
Can get crowded on weekends and during peak summer holiday periods.
Winter months (June to August) are the primary rainy season.
By sport
What to expect for each.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
- Sail Sizes
- 3.7–5.3 m²
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
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.
- 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.
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.
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
- Sharks
- Cold Water
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.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
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 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.