Sixty Nines
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Sixty Nines is a world-class reef break in South Africa’s St Francis Bay / Jeffrey’s Bay coastal lineup, delivering hollow, fast, and powerful waves for highly capable surfers. The break is described as producing world-class quality with very consistent conditions and strong ride potential when swell and tide align. The wave works best on mid tide, with sources pointing to a preference for rising mid-tide to reduce exposure to the shallowest reef sections. Optimal swells are reported as coming from the southwest to south, while the optimal wind direction is north—conditions that can help groom the wave into hollow barrels. Reported wave direction includes both right and left peaks. Safety is a central concern at this spot: hazards include sharks, reef/coral, sharp rocks, and submerged rocks, and conditions can also involve strong currents during larger swells. Localism is described as heavy, and etiquette/respect for the lineup is emphasized as protective of the peak. Entry access is via a rocky shoreline with careful timing between sets and limited parking in nearby residential areas. Conditions are strongly tied to winter swell periods. Best surfing months are reported as May through September, with the most consistent swells described in winter (May to August). Wetsuit guidance indicates reef-appropriate protection year-round (often 3/2 mm or 4/3 mm in winter), with attention to rocky entry and impact protection.
- Hollow, fast, powerful reef waves
- Very consistent (reported as ~150 days/year)
- Long rides on good mid-tide days (commonly 150–300 m)
- World-class hollow, fast, and powerful reef-break waves
- Very consistent swell frequency (reported as very consistent/around 150 days per year)
- Long ride potential on good days (often 150–300 m)
- Heavy localism and a highly protective lineup
- High-risk environment from sharks and reef hazards (sharp rocks/coral, submerged hazards)
- Powerful, hollow reef waves require advanced skill
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NW
- Offshore directions
- N
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Sources indicate mixed wind directions (North to Northwest) and north winds optimal for the break.
- Reliability
- Moderate; depends on winter frontal systems for offshore conditions
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- The headland provides some protection from Southwesterly winds
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Reef — Reef (coral/sharp rocks) with sand reported by at least one source.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big — Starts working below 1 m and can hold up to 3 m+ on the better days.
- Launch
- Small — Rocky shoreline access requiring careful timing between sets.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Rocky access and shallow reef hazards; requires careful timing between sets.
Through the year
Weekends can be crowded with local experts; weekdays are generally quieter.
Rain can occur year-round but is slightly more frequent in winter months during cold fronts.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A high-performance reef break producing powerful, hollow waves with fast peeling/formation. Works on mid tide with southwest to south swells and north winds.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW, S
- Swell Height
- 1–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid tide; works on rising and falling positions around mid tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Reef break with exposed conditions; headland provides limited protection from Southwesterly winds.
- Wind Effect
- North winds groom the wave into hollow barrels; north winds are described as optimal.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds up to 3 m+ (about 10 ft+) and can continue to hold significant size on larger swell.
- Wave Quality
- World class
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Hollow
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Medium — Normal rides 50–150 m; can extend to 150–300 m on exceptional days.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- 50–150 m normal, extending up to 300 m on exceptional days.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Sixty Nines in the full forecast view.
Sixty Nines wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–14 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- SE137°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 2714 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–1.7 m8s period
- Temperature
- 14–24 °C
Over the next 7 days, Sixty Nines is forecast for daytime winds of 2–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 0.8–1.7 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
- sharks
- reef
- coral
- rocks
- sharp reef
- submerged rocks
- strong currents
- heavy localism
- kelp in the impact zone
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are located in St Francis Bay or Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Emergency number in South Africa: 112 (from mobile phones).
- Localism / Vibe
- Heavy — Known for heavy localism and a protective lineup.
Rules of the spot
Strict adherence to surfing etiquette is required; respect the local lineup which can be protective of this peak.
- Experienced surfers only due to power and hazards.
- Limited tolerance for mistakes due to reef shallows and submerged hazards.
- Works best on a rising mid-tide to avoid the shallowest sections of the reef.
- Keep a close eye on the horizon for shark activity.
- Access is right next to Bruce's Beauties; expect strong local presence.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Gqeberha
- Nearest Town
- St Francis Bay
- Nearest Airport
- Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ)
- Parking
- Limited roadside parking in residential streets
- Public Transport
- Public transport is extremely limited; a rental car or private transport is recommended.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English, Afrikaans, Xhosa
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous guesthouses and holiday rentals are available in St Francis Bay.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurants and cafes are located nearby at Port St Francis.
- Equipment Rental:
- Surf shops in St Francis Bay town center provide gear; specialized reef boards are recommended.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repair services available in nearby surf shops.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
An iconic 19th-century lighthouse and an established local landmark.
The only privately owned commercial harbor in South Africa, known for its calamari industry.
A multi-day slackpacking trail through the rugged coastline and dunes.
Waterside dining options specializing in fresh seafood and local 'chokka' (calamari).
Scenic boat tours along the river and canal system, popular for bird watching and sunset views.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Sixty Nines?
The best overall months at Sixty Nines are May, June, July, August. The best wind months are May, June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Sixty Nines?
Sixty Nines works with N, NW winds. Offshore directions are N.
What skill level is Sixty Nines suitable for?
Sixty Nines suits these riding levels: Surfing: Expert.