Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate to Advanced
Skill Level
Chop, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Treskostraal is an exposed point break in the West Coast (Saldanha Bay) area that is described as very fickle—at times it does not work very often. It typically requires a larger southwest swell to wrap around the headland and start producing rideable waves, with long, peeling sections possible over a rocky bottom when the swell is big enough. The break is exposed overall, so conditions can change quickly with wind and swell. For wave and swell setup, sources describe optimal performance with southwest to west-southwest swells. Surf wave direction is described as point-break surf where the wave runs down one side of the point (sources conflict on whether it is right-hand or left-hand), so verifying on the day is important before committing to a line. Wind alignment matters: east to southeast winds are commonly described as providing cleaner offshore conditions for surf, while other wind directions can blow the waves out. Safety is a major factor at Treskostraal. The launch and in-water area are rocky, with kelp and submerged boulders reported near entry/exit, and rocks are repeatedly listed as the core hazard. Strong rip currents and sweep can occur alongside the point, especially during larger swells, and the spot is isolated—so surfing alone is strongly discouraged. With rescue described as limited regionally and lifeguards absent, you should plan for self-sufficiency. Water temperatures are consistently cold on the West Coast; a specific reference temperature around 14.5°C is cited, and cold even in summer is emphasized. Recommended wetsuit guidance includes spring-style wetsuit thickness, with additional cold-water emphasis from key findings (4/3mm as a minimum, and warmer options advised). Overall, it’s best treated as an experienced/medium-to-advanced surf hunting spot that is usually uncrowded but only worth it when the swell and wind line up.

  • Exposed point-break with powerful walls when it’s working
  • Offshore surf conditions can align with east/southeast winds
  • Rocky, kelp-rich water—requires careful entry/exit
  • Rarely crowded due to inconsistency and remoteness
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboard
What's great
  • Exposed point break with a right/left point-break wave with long, peeling sections when it’s working
  • Offshore conditions can align with east-southeast winds
  • Usually uncrowded due to remoteness and inconsistency
Heads up
  • Very fickle and does not work very often
  • Exposed and remote
  • Rock hazards and thick kelp beds
  • Cold year-round water
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
ESE
Offshore directions
ESE
Wind Range
15–25 kts
Wind Type
Thermal — East to southeast winds; described as thermal in summer and offshore for surf when aligned.
Reliability
49% blown out, 50% clean in July
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
July
Shadow Zones
The point provides some protection from southerly winds, but the spot is generally exposed.

Water & beach

Water Type
Chop, Ocean
Beach
Rocks
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Working window depends on a large southwest swell.
Chop Level
Moderate chop — Chop is listed as the water type.
Launch
Small — Rocky shoreline with limited sandy patches; difficult entry and exit due to boulders and kelp.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
12–16 °C
Water Temperature
14–26 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 4/3mm to 5/4mm + BootsJan–Dec: 4/3mm to 5/3mm + Boots
Storm/Rain Season

Winter (May to August) is the rainy season with occasional cold fronts bringing strong Northwest winds.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed point break that is fickle and does not work very often; it typically needs a large southwest swell to start working.

Point break
Wave Direction
Left
Optimal Swell
SW, WSW
Swell Height
2–4 m
Optimal Tide
Mid
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
East and Southeast winds provide clean, offshore conditions; winds aligned to onshore directions can blow it out.
Bigger Swell
Handles large swells well, often requiring significant size for the point to break properly.
Wave Quality
Good
Wave Power
Powerful
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Long — Can offer long, peeling sections over a rocky bottom when the swell is large enough.
Ride Length Details
Long, peeling sections when swell wraps around the headland.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Treskostraal in the full forecast view.

Treskostraal wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
4–20 ktsGusts 33 kts
Direction
S187°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2520 kts
Windy days
7/712 kts or more
Waves
1.0–2.5 m8s period
Temperature
14–26 °C

Over the next 7 days, Treskostraal is forecast for daytime winds of 4–20 kts, peaking around 20 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 33 kts. The prevailing direction is S. Waves run 1.0–2.5 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
  • Sharks
  • Cold water
  • Isolation
  • Strong currents
Ability Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetWetsuitHoodBootsLeashGloves

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited in the regional context.
Emergency Info
Nearest medical facilities are in Vredenburg, approximately 20–30 minutes away. Emergency number 112.
Localism / Vibe
Mild

Rules of the spot

Designated for LIMITED Recreational Activities in the Coastal Admiralty Reserve. Contact municipal Law Enforcement for bylaws at +27 22 701-6912 (Mon–Fri office hours).

Restrictions
  • Limited recreational activities in the Coastal Admiralty Reserve
Local Tips
  • Bring a very warm wetsuit; the water is cold even in summer.
  • The spot is isolated; do not surf alone and ensure you have a spare tire and supplies.
  • Respect the locals and the pristine environment of the West Coast.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Saldanha Bay Local Municipality, Western Cape
Nearest Town
Saldanha Bay area
Parking
Limited informal parking along the dirt track near the coast.
Access
Accessible via gravel roads from Paternoster or the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve area; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Local Language
English/Afrikaans
Amenities

What's on the beach

Accommodation
Nearby town — Camping is available at Tietiesbaai nearby; guest houses are available in Paternoster.
Food & Drink
No facilities on-site; restaurants and shops are located in Paternoster.
Equipment Rental:
No rentals available on-site.
Gear Storage
None available at the spot.
Gear Repair
No repair available on-site.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Treskostraal?

The best overall months at Treskostraal are May, June, July, August. The best wind months are July.

Which wind directions work at Treskostraal?

Treskostraal works with ESE winds. Offshore directions are ESE.

What skill level is Treskostraal suitable for?

Treskostraal suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.