Sharpleys Point
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Sharpleys Point is an exposed point break on the Wild Coast known for delivering reasonably consistent surf, though summer tends to be mostly flat. It works best when a solid south swell arrives, producing long right-hand point waves with peeling character when the conditions align. Wind direction is a key part of the quality—northwest offshore winds are reported as the most favorable setup, helping groom and clean up the swell. Winter months are the most reliable for surf, with June called out as the best month. One provider also reports good wave quality overall in the right conditions, with long sections that can connect on larger swells. The spot is rugged and rocky, with hazards including rocks, sharks, and urchins/sea urchins. Currents can be challenging during larger swells, with strong rip currents and side sweeps described. Because the area is remote, visitors are advised to be self-reliant—plan supplies before travel and be prepared for limited support. Safety access and emergency planning matter here: lifeguards are not present and rescue availability is limited, with the nearest major hospital in Mthatha. Conditions and logistics suit intermediate surfers looking for a quiet, adventurous session rather than a high-comfort, well-served break.
- Exposed Wild Coast point break with reasonably consistent surf in winter.
- Best with solid south swell and offshore northwest winds.
- Rocky hazards plus sharks and urchins; strong currents can occur on bigger days.
- Very rarely crowded, with strong remoteness factor.
- Reasonably consistent surf, especially in winter.
- Very rarely crowded due to remote access.
- Offshore northwest winds can clean up the swell.
- Exposed, rocky point with submerged hazards.
- No dedicated rescue services; rescue availability is limited.
- Currents can become strong during larger swells.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW
- Offshore directions
- NW
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Both providers reference winter surf conditions influenced by frontal systems; winds are most notably offshore when NW blows.
- Reliability
- fairly consistent (52% blown)
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Described as moderate gusts by one provider; another source summarizes wind as fairly consistent with ~52% blown.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August
- Shadow Zones
- Sheltered areas directly behind the headland can protect from wind compared with the exposed point.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks — Rocks and rocky shoreline; one provider also describes mixed composition.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Surf described as reasonably consistent, with medium wave size reported by one provider.
- Launch
- Medium — Rocky entry points along the point with some sandy patches.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch difficulty described as moderate with rocky entry points.
Through the year
Generally quiet year-round due to remote location; can see more visitors during holiday periods.
Summer months see more frequent rainfall and thunderstorms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed point break delivering reasonably consistent surf; best quality when a solid south swell combines with offshore northwest winds. Summer is often mostly flat.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- S, SW
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Optimal tide reported as mid tide by one provider.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed point with rocky entry; less sheltered than a bay/inside lineup.
- Wind Effect
- Northwest winds provide clean offshore conditions to groom the swell.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle significant size but becomes increasingly difficult to paddle out as swell increases.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Described as good wave quality and clean groundswells when conditions align.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Wave power described as moderate; also framed as reasonably consistent surf.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Characterized as peeling; other source frames it as clean groundswells from the south.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Described as medium peel speed with long peeling rides when conditions align.
- Ride Length
- Long — Long sections that can connect on larger swells; long ride length reported.
- Ride Length Details
- Long, peeling rides can connect on larger swells; described as a quality right-hand point break.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Sharpleys Point in the full forecast view.
Sharpleys Point wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–18 ktsGusts 33 kts
- Direction
- E87°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 3018 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.5–2.9 m8s period
- Temperature
- 16–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, Sharpleys Point is forecast for daytime winds of 2–18 kts, peaking around 18 kts on Friday, October 30 with gusts to 33 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 1.5–2.9 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
- sharks
- urchins
- submerged rocks
- sea urchins
- strong rip currents and side sweeps during larger swells
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated on-site rescue services at these remote locations; regional coverage is provided for the wider area.
- Emergency Info
- Rescue availability is limited; nearest major hospital is in Mthatha. Universal emergency number in South Africa is 112 from a mobile.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — One provider states no strong localism; another describes mild localism.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; remote-location self-reliance is important. Respect the few locals and the remote nature of the area.
- No on-site rescue services; plan self-rescue and emergency communications.
- Beware of sharks, urchins and rocks.
- The spot is very remote—ensure you have enough supplies (and a spare tire) before traveling.
- Best surfed in winter months when offshore winds are most frequent.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Mthatha
- Nearest Town
- Coffee Bay
- Nearest Airport
- Mthatha Airport (UTT) ~100 km away; East London Airport (ELS) ~250 km away
- Parking
- Informal parking near the coastal access paths.
- Public Transport
- extremely limited; high-clearance vehicles or 4x4s are recommended for gravel access roads
- Access
- Remote access via gravel roads; high-clearance vehicle or 4x4 often recommended for the final stretches. Informal parking near coastal access paths.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- Xhosa, English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Far — Backpacker lodges and basic guesthouses in Coffee Bay or Mdumbi; remote eco-lodges and community-run guesthouses in surrounding areas.
- Food & Drink
- Very limited options at the spot; small shops (spaza shops) in nearby villages.
- Equipment Rental:
- No dedicated rental shops at the beach; riders typically bring their own gear or arrange rentals from major hubs.
- Gear Storage
- Not available; riders typically store gear at their chosen accommodation.
- Gear Repair
- No professional gear repair services in the immediate vicinity; nearest facilities are in East London.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Wild Coast is described as a world-renowned destination for raw beauty and an escape from modern development, with rolling green hills and a dramatic, untamed shoreline.
An iconic natural rock archway carved by the sea at the mouth of the Mpako River.
Authentic cultural experiences in surrounding traditional villages, showcasing local customs and architecture.
Multiday hiking routes along the rugged coastline passing through cliffs and remote beaches.
A community-focused eco-lodge offering local meals and a relaxed atmosphere.
The untouched coastline offers opportunities for exploring marine life and pristine sands.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Sharpleys Point?
The best overall months at Sharpleys Point are May, June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Sharpleys Point?
Sharpleys Point works with NW winds. Offshore directions are NW.
What skill level is Sharpleys Point suitable for?
Sharpleys Point suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.