Sours (Lamberts Bay)
- Wave, Freeride
- Best for
- Advanced to Expert
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Medium waves
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Sours (just north of Lamberts Bay) is described as a low-profile, remote West Coast spot with a big sandy beach and generally clean water. Multiple sources align on small-to-medium wave conditions for the water environment, with kiting commonly targeted during the late-spring to summer wind season. Wind-wise, the spot is strongly associated with South-Easterly to Westerly directions—SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, and also NW—along with a clear seasonal window. Kite sessions are most consistently rideable in January, February, March, and also November and December, with stronger summer patterns characterized as thermal-driven “Cape Doctor” winds accelerating along the coast into the afternoon. Wave riding potential is a major draw: the spot is widely described as having a heavy, hollow left-hand wave character (with some descriptions noting fast, punchy sections). However, the same rugged setting also brings practical risks—rocks, thick kelp, isolation, and cold water are repeatedly emphasized, and during heavier SE conditions there can be strong drift and rip-current behavior near reef areas. Because the launch area is remote and there are no lifeguards reported, the key safety theme is preparation: ride with a partner, bring appropriate thermal protection for cold Benguela-water temperatures, and be ready for challenging nearshore hazards (including kelp/rocks). Medical access is available in Lambert’s Bay, but major emergencies may require transfer to larger centers.
- Big beach with clean water
- SE-focused wind pattern with strong summer reliability
- Noted left-hand wave character (heavy/punchy)
- Uncrowded, community-driven remote vibe
- Big sandy beach with clean water
- Best wind months line up well with late spring to summer
- SE–SW wind direction makes the kiting conditions consistently relevant during the season
- Wave-focused sessions with a noted left-hand character
- Remote, self-sufficient access; plan for isolation
- Cold year-round water (bring appropriate thermal protection)
- Rock/kelp hazards and potential shark presence increase risk
- No on-site rentals/lifeguards reported
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, NW
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Summer “Cape Doctor” thermal-gradient winds accelerate along the coast; at the spot this shows up as a reliable onshore/side-shore SE–SW pattern.
- Reliability
- High during summer months.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Sources describe moderate gustiness during stronger wind.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- Very limited due to flat coastal terrain.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand — One provider describes sand; another describes mixed beach/shore composition around rocky outcrops and kelp beds.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Small wave to medium wave conditions are described across sources.
- Launch
- Medium — Open sandy beach / sandy section between rocky outcrops and kelp beds; self-launch is described.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Access and launch are described as easy in one source, while another reports moderate launch difficulty due to rocky/kelp context.
Through the year
Rarely crowded; mostly local riders and a few travelers in peak summer.
Winter (June to August) is the rainy season with occasional cold fronts.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Works as a wave/riding spot with a preference for SE winds; sources describe punchy left-hand wave riding and a fast left-hand wave on a large sandy beach area. Some accounts frame it as both freeride and wave kites depending on conditions.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Sours (Lamberts Bay) in the full forecast view.
Sours (Lamberts Bay) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–17 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- SW218°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2417 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–2.3 m8s period
- Temperature
- 13–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, Sours (Lamberts Bay) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.8–2.3 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
- Cold water from the Benguela Current
- Rocks
- Thick kelp forests
- Potential abandoned fishing gear
- Great White Sharks
- Isolation/remote access
- Potential rip currents near reef (reported during heavy SE winds)
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Yes — Regional rescue availability is described as 24/7 NSRI maritime response from Lambert’s Bay.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Lambert’s Bay; major emergencies may require transfer to Vredenburg or Cape Town. In the wider area, NSRI provides 24/7 emergency maritime response; emergency numbers noted include 112 (mobile) or 10177.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Primarily local riders with limited international visibility; expect a tougher social dynamic typical of remote, wave-focused sessions.
Rules of the spot
Standard right-of-way rules apply; respect local surfers.
- Always ride with a partner due to the remote nature of the spot.
- Water is significantly colder than the East Coast—bring a thick wetsuit.
- Expect strong drift/possible rip currents during heavier SE conditions (especially near reef/kelp areas).
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Lamberts Bay
- Nearest Town
- Lamberts Bay
- Nearest Airport
- Cape Town International Airport (CPT) – about 280 km
- Parking
- Parking available at the Lamberts Bay camping park (north of the spot) / Lamberts Bay caravan park or Malkoppan farm area.
- Access
- Park north at the camping park in Lamberts Bay, then walk about 20 minutes further north along the beach to reach the spot. Some reports mention 4x4 may be needed depending on access conditions/route.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping in the Lambert’s Bay area and guest houses are described nearby.
- Food & Drink
- An open-air seafood restaurant is reported nearby, with additional options available in town.
- Equipment Rental:
- No local rentals reported; bring your own gear.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Wildlife-focused nature experiences and local coastal culture are highlighted for the Lambert’s Bay area, with nearby nature reserves and museums suited to a low-key visit.
World-famous Cape Gannet breeding site, accessible via a breakwater walk from the harbor.
Local museum covering the history of the fishing industry and the Sandveld region.
A ~30-minute drive to a well-regarded left-hand point break (included as a nearby activity suggestion).
Open-air seafood restaurant serving traditional West Coast buffet meals.
Popular waterfront dining overlooking the harbor, specializing in fresh seafood.
Seasonal shoreline viewing of Southern Right Whales (July to November).
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Sours (Lamberts Bay)?
The best overall months at Sours (Lamberts Bay) are November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, March, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Sours (Lamberts Bay)?
Sours (Lamberts Bay) works with SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, NW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Sours (Lamberts Bay)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Sours (Lamberts Bay): Kitesurfing: 7–10 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.
What skill level is Sours (Lamberts Bay) suitable for?
Sours (Lamberts Bay) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced to Expert.