Struisbaai Back Reef
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate to Expert
- Skill Level
- Swell
- Spot Type
- Empty
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Struisbaai Back Reef is a reef break in Struis Bay known for hollow, fast, powerful waves. It’s a left-and-right spot that typically starts working around 1.5–2 m swells and can hold up to 3 m+ on suitable days. Wave quality is described as a regional classic, with fast peeling sections and long rides on better sets. Access and safety are major themes. The break is located out from the harbor and commonly requires a paddle of more than 20 minutes or a boat drop-off, and the offshore position increases exposure. Hazards repeatedly cited for this location include sharp rocks and reef/coral, shark presence, and rip currents near the reef—so conditions can become dangerous even on otherwise “working” days. Wind and swell alignment matter. Offshore Northwest/West winds help groom the faces; onshore wind can make conditions very messy and dangerous. The spot is best with SouthWest and East swells, with optimal sessions typically around low to mid tide (including notes of a falling tide). Providers also highlight winter as the most consistent season, with June standing out. Crowds are generally reported as very low. Even when surf is up, it’s described as unlikely to be too crowded, with weekdays and weekends characterized as empty, reflecting both the remote access and the specialized nature of the reef break.
- Hollow, fast, powerful reef waves
- Works on both left and right breaks
- Best with SouthWest and East swells
- Low and mid tide preferred
- Regional classic reef break with powerful, hollow waves.
- Works on both left and right directions.
- Very low crowds reported (weekdays and weekends described as empty).
- Remote offshore reef access (long paddle or boat) increases fatigue and risk.
- Serious hazards include sharp rocks/coral and sharks.
- Rip currents are possible near the reef.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NW, W
- Offshore directions
- NW, W
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Winter cold fronts influence wind; providers describe passing cold fronts and offshore grooming during good conditions.
- Reliability
- Moderate; depends on passing cold fronts in winter
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Reported as moderate-gusts.
- Best Months
- June, July, August, September
- Shadow Zones
- The harbor wall may provide slight protection from specific angles.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Sand described alongside reef/coral conditions.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Big — Reported as medium overall by one provider; starts around 1.5–2 m and holds up to 3 m+.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Offshore winds groom; onshore winds make it very messy and dangerous.
- Launch
- Big — Launch from the harbor beach, then paddle out to the offshore reef peak.
Through the year
Empty to very low crowds year-round; even when surf is up it’s unlikely to be too crowded.
Winter (June to August) is stormiest and the main rainy period.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A sheltered to partially protected offshore reef break with hollow, heavy left and right waves. The wave typically needs medium to larger swells to work reliably, starting around 1.5–2 m and capable of holding up to 3 m+.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW, E
- Swell Height
- 1.5–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low, Mid — Best on low and mid tide (including falling tide noted).
- Shelter
- Sheltered — Reported as sheltered by reef/point characteristics, while Gemini also notes exposed conditions on the offshore peak—expect variability depending on access angle and conditions.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore winds from the Northwest or West groom the faces; onshore winds make it very messy and dangerous.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well; reef partially protects from big swells and remains rideable/powerful even when swells exceed 3 m.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Described as regional classic with good wave quality.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Hollow, fast, and powerful.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Hollow, fast, powerful wave shape.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Reported as fast.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Normal length is short (< 50 m); good days can be long (150 to 300 m).
- Typical Ride Length
- 150–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal length short (< 50 m); good day length long (150 to 300 m).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Struisbaai Back Reef in the full forecast view.
Struisbaai Back Reef wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–14 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- SE126°
- Strongest day
- Mon, Oct 2614 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.1–2.6 m9s period
- Temperature
- 13–23 °C
Over the next 7 days, Struisbaai Back Reef is forecast for daytime winds of 2–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Monday, October 26 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 1.1–2.6 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
- Sharks
- Reef
- Coral
- Rip currents
- Sharp rocks
- Extreme distance from shore
- Heavy hold-downs
- Reef/coral
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No direct rescue availability is reported for the spot itself, but regional sea-rescue coverage is available via NSRI nearby at the harbor.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Struisbaai or Bredasdorp; NSRI Station 9 is located nearby at the harbor. National emergency number: 112.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Respect the few locals who venture out to this remote peak.
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the few locals who venture out to this remote peak.
- Not recommended to attempt alone.
- Do not go beyond the reef.
- Shuffle your feet in the harbor due to stingrays.
- Don't venture beyond the reef.
- Access is best via boat from the harbor to save energy for the heavy session.
- Be prepared for a paddle of 20 minutes or more if going from the beach.
- This is a serious wave that should not be attempted alone.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Cape Agulhas Local Municipality
- Nearest Town
- Struisbaai
- Parking
- Parking at Struisbaai harbor area; walking time to access can be around 30 minutes from the nearest parking (and/or shorter direct beach access is reported).
- Public Transport
- Public transport is very limited; regional travel typically needs a rental car or private shuttle from Cape Town.
- Access
- Go to the harbour and look out; if it's working you'll see it. Access generally involves a long paddle out to the offshore reef peak or a boat drop-off.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various guesthouses and self-catering options in Struisbaai and Agulhas.
- Food & Drink
- Several seafood restaurants and cafes located at the harbor.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited rental options in town; specialized surf gear should be brought with you.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Historic lighthouse marking the southernmost point of the African continent.
Official geographic dividing point between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
Deep-sea fishing in the region, particularly for Yellowtail and Geelbek.
Seafood and local eateries overlooking the fishing fleet.
Friendly giant stingrays frequently visit shallow harbor waters and can be seen from the jetty.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Struisbaai Back Reef?
The best overall months at Struisbaai Back Reef are June. The best wind months are June, July, August, September.
Which wind directions work at Struisbaai Back Reef?
Struisbaai Back Reef works with NW, W winds. Offshore directions are NW, W.
What skill level is Struisbaai Back Reef suitable for?
Struisbaai Back Reef suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Expert.