Stompneus
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Stompneus is a sheltered reef-and-point surf break on the north side of the Vredenburg Peninsula in the Saldanha Bay area. The spot is described as low-profile and only working once in a while, meaning conditions have to line up for a usable wave. For surfing, the key is the combination of swell and offshore wind. Southwest winds are described as the best direction, functioning offshore and producing cleaner, more groomed faces. September is consistently identified as the best time of year, with other close months also mentioned for favorable winds. Wave setup is highly dependent on swell wrap into the bay. Reports describe the spot as a reef/point break that can produce left-hand and point/reef variations depending on how the swell organizes. The shelter and reef setting can make it a comparatively sheltered option when other West Coast breaks are blown out or too big, but it remains average-to-variable in quality when the swell is not right. Safety-wise, rocks and kelp beds are prominent hazards, and the water is cold throughout the year. Rip currents are possible near the reef on larger swells. With no lifeguards reported and rescue availability described as limited, surfers should treat sessions as self-rescue first, and wear appropriate thermal protection and safety gear.
- Sheltered reef/point break that only works occasionally
- Offshore southwest winds are the key for cleaner faces
- September is the standout month
- Sheltered reef/point break
- Best in September (and generally winter) with offshore southwest wind
- Rarely crowded
- Works only occasionally and is fickle
- Reef/rocks hazard and exposed kelp beds
- Cold water year-round
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW
- Offshore directions
- SW
- Wind Range
- 12–22 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Southwest wind is the best direction for surfing at Stompneus; regional conditions can be influenced by thermal and frontal systems.
- Reliability
- Low to moderate for wind sports; most reliable for surfing when winds are light.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Gusts are noted as moderate for wind sports conditions.
- Best Months
- September
- Shadow Zones
- The point can create a wind shadow for certain directions, leading to gusty conditions near the launch.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Mixed — Mixed beach composition described, with a reef/point-focused lineup.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Small surf is typical; a substantial swell is needed to wrap into the bay for better results.
- Launch
- Small — Rocky shore with limited sandy patches near the point.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Moderate launch difficulty due to rocky shore and reef environment.
Through the year
Rarely crowded year-round; mostly frequented by locals from the surrounding West Coast area.
Winter (June to August) is the primary rainy season.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A sheltered reef/point break that only works occasionally and is fickle, requiring the right swell wrap to form usable waves. Reports describe both left-hand and right-hand reef/point possibilities depending on swell wrap and direction; it remains a sheltered option when more exposed West Coast breaks are blown out or too large.
- Optimal Swell
- SW, W
- Swell Height
- 1.5–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Best results noted at mid tide.
- Shelter
- Sheltered — Sheltered reef/point setting.
- Wind Effect
- Southwest winds are optimal for cleaner, groomed faces; works best offshore from the southwest. Onshore wind is generally less favorable than most spots.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger swells but may start to close out if the swell direction is too westerly.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Wave quality is described as average; it improves with the correct swell and offshore southwest wind.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power; quality depends on swell wrap and offshore southwest winds.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling sections over the reef.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling wave face behavior.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Decent ride length when sections connect over the reef.
- Ride Length Details
- A medium ride is expected when sections connect over the reef.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Stompneus in the full forecast view.
Stompneus wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–20 ktsGusts 31 kts
- Direction
- S189°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2520 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–0.8 m6s period
- Temperature
- 14–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Stompneus is forecast for daytime winds of 4–20 kts, peaking around 20 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 31 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 0.2–0.8 m with a period of about 6s. 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
- kelp beds
- cold water
- rip currents possible near the reef, especially on larger swells
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Sea rescue services are provided by an NSRI station based nearby and monitoring the St Helena Bay area.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facility: Vredenburg Provincial Hospital (about 25 km away). National mobile emergency number: 112.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Localism is described as mild; visitors should respect the fishing community and environment.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies. Respect the local fishing community and environment.
- Watch out for rocks.
- Wait for a strong southwest swell to see this spot at its best.
- A thick wetsuit is essential even in summer due to cold water upwelling.
- For best results, use the specific swell wrap that allows the wave to work into the bay.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Vredenburg
- Nearest Town
- Vredenburg
- Parking
- Limited informal parking available near the shoreline.
- Public Transport
- Public transport is very limited; a rental car is essential for traveling between launches and amenities within the Saldanha Bay municipality.
- Access
- Located on the first break on the north side of the Vredenburg Peninsula in Saldanha Bay Local Municipality (West Coast). Accessible via the coastal road through Stompneusbaai village; the break is located near the point.
- Local Language
- English, Afrikaans
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Self-catering cottages and guest houses are available in St Helena Bay and Shelley Point.
- Food & Drink
- Local cafes and restaurants are located in the nearby village of St Helena Bay.
- Equipment Rental:
- No dedicated rental shops at the spot; visitors should bring their own gear.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A quiet, nature-focused West Coast escape with rugged coastal scenery and wildlife opportunities, where ocean sports and seafood are common trip highlights.
Coastal reserve known for its lagoon, birdlife, and spectacular wildflower displays in August and September.
One of the oldest fishing villages on the West Coast, known for white-washed cottages and fresh crayfish.
Southern Right whales frequent St Helena Bay for calving between August and November.
Well-known steakhouse located within the Shelly Point golf estate area.
Active dig site and museum featuring 5-million-year-old fossils from the region.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Stompneus?
The best overall months at Stompneus are September.
Which wind directions work at Stompneus?
Stompneus works with SW winds. Offshore directions are SW.
What skill level is Stompneus suitable for?
Stompneus suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.