Treskostraal
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- 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
- Very fickle and does not work very often
- Exposed and remote
- Rock hazards and thick kelp beds
- Cold year-round water
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
Winter (May to August) is the rainy season with occasional cold fronts bringing strong Northwest winds.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed point break that is fickle and does not work very often; it typically needs a large southwest swell to start working.
- 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.
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.
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
- Sharks
- Cold water
- Isolation
- Strong currents
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).
- Limited recreational activities in the Coastal Admiralty Reserve
- 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
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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
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.