Yellowsands (Yellow Sands Point)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Medium waves, Ocean
- Spot Type
- One source indicates empty weekdays and crowded weekends; crowd can increase during school holidays.
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Yellowsands (Yellow Sands Point) is a rugged, exposed reef-and-point break near East London, best known for high-performance right-hand surfing. Sources describe hollow, ledgey waves with world-class quality, typically starting around 1.0–1.5 m and capable of holding larger surf up to about 2.5 m+ (roughly 8 ft+). Rides are generally short (under 50 m), with the wave becoming heavier and more ledgey as swell builds. Conditions for surfing are described as most favorable with east-southeast swells paired with offshore westerly winds. Tide notes consistently point to low-to-mid tide for the best way the wave presents, with rising tide also workable. The break is considered exposed overall, and while there may be some shelter from particular wind angles due to the point’s positioning, the reef character remains a key factor in both takeoff and safety. Safety is a core concern: the spot is reported to involve sharp rocks/coral and urchins, with hazards also including sharks and strong currents (especially related to the river mouth and debris). Local surf culture can be protective during prime swells, and etiquette matters to avoid conflicts at crowded breakdowns. Access can require a 4x4 for parts of the approach, and walking from the vehicle is described as very quick once you arrive at the correct access. Beyond surfing, NE winds are highlighted for kitesurfing in summer months, with wave-focused riding described as possible but advanced due to shallow water and reef/rock proximity. Windsurfing and wingfoiling are also mentioned as possible for advanced riders, with wingfoiling especially constrained by limited foil-friendly conditions and shallow reef sections at lower tides.
- Hollow, ledgey right-hand point break
- Works from roughly 1.0–1.5 m and can hold 2.5 m+
- Significant reef/urchin hazards; advanced level recommended
- NE summer winds support kitesurfing
- World-class, hollow right-hand point-break surfing with strong, ledgey sections.
- Powerful swell that holds into bigger conditions.
- NE winds in summer support wave-focused kitesurfing.
- Close, car-based access from East London area.
- Significant reef-related hazards (rocks/coral and urchins).
- Strong currents reported near the river mouth.
- Localism can be moderate and the point can be protective during prime swells.
- Wind reliability is reported as unreliable for consistent riding.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, SW, W
- Offshore directions
- W
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Prevailing trade-wind pattern with strong NE influence noted for wind riding.
- Reliability
- unreliable
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Steady winds reported; stronger afternoon acceleration can occur seasonally.
- Best Months
- June, July, August
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Some sources describe sand (especially around launch), while the wave/reef bottom is reef/coral.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Another source describes medium waves; overall conditions range with swell.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach area adjacent to the river mouth and rocky point.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch difficulty is reported as moderate.
Through the year
Quiet during weekdays; can become crowded on weekends and during school holidays.
Rain can occur year-round, with increased storm activity in winter; summer thunderstorms can also be heavy in the afternoon.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Kitesurfing is possible in shallow, medium-wave conditions with NE winds; riding is wave-focused but the proximity of reefs/rocks makes it hazardous.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Suitable for wave windsurfing in side-shore conditions, but reported as less commonly frequented than surfing or kitesurfing.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.7–5.7 m²
Possible in the bay area, but rocky reef and shallow sections can be hazardous for foils at lower tides.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil-friendly conditions are reported as limited.
- Min Depth
- 1.5m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–5 m²
World-class, exposed reef-and-point break with hollow, ledgey right-hand waves. Works best with east-southeast swells and offshore westerly winds; reef hazards are significant.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- ENE, ESE, SE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low, Mid — Best at low to mid tide; low and mid tide with a rising tide working as well.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed point/reef break; can have some shelter from certain wind angles.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore-wind when westerly winds are aligned; NE can ruffle the face for surfing.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well into bigger surf (up to ~8 ft / 2.5 m+), becoming increasingly heavy and ledgey; can still continue to form hollow sections.
- Wave Quality
- World class — Described as world class/excellent.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Powerful, hollow sections are highlighted.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Hollow, ledgey right-hand waves are described.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Medium peel speed is reported; other notes also describe fast peels on takeoff.
- Ride Length
- Short — Typical/normal length is reported as short (<50 m); rides commonly offer up to ~50 m.
- Typical Ride Length
- 0–50 m
- Ride Length Details
- Ride length is typically <50 m; described as offering rides up to about 50 m and becoming heavy/ledgy on bigger swells.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Yellowsands (Yellow Sands Point) in the full forecast view.
Yellowsands (Yellow Sands Point) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–16 ktsGusts 33 kts
- Direction
- E90°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 3016 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.5–3.2 m8s period
- Temperature
- 16–26 °C
Over the next 7 days, Yellowsands (Yellow Sands Point) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Friday, October 30 with gusts to 33 kts. The prevailing direction is E. Waves run 1.5–3.2 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
- Urchins
- Coral
- Sharp rocks
- Reef
- Sharks
- Strong currents
- River mouth debris
- Localism
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguard presence reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is reported as limited for the coastline.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospitals are located in East London (about 20–30 minutes away). Emergency: 112 (mobile).
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Moderate localism is reported; locals can be protective of the point during prime swells.
Rules of the spot
Locals are present; respect local surf culture and avoid crowding breakdowns. Standard surfing etiquette applies; local surfers can be protective of the point during prime swells.
- Access may be restricted through private caravan park grounds.
- Use a 4x4 for access where terrain requires it.
- Respect local surfers and avoid crowding breakdowns.
- Be cautious around sharp coral and urchins.
- Watch for sharks, especially after heavy rains when the river mouth is murky.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- East London
- Nearest Town
- Kwelera
- Nearest Airport
- East London Airport (ELS) (~35km)
- Parking
- Roadside parking is available; parking within the caravan park is available for guests and at nearby public beach access points.
- Public Transport
- Limited; private car rental or shuttles from East London are necessary for accessing the coast.
- Access
- Access is primarily through the Yellow Sands Caravan Park or via the beach from adjacent access points; road signs lead to the spot. A 4x4 is a big bonus for accessing certain coastal sections, and walking distance once arrived is described as instant (under ~5 minutes).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English, isiXhosa, Afrikaans
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Yellow Sands Caravan Park offers camping and self-catering options directly at/near the spot.
- Food & Drink
- Basic supplies and meals are available at the caravan park shop; more options in East London.
- Equipment Rental:
- No dedicated rental shops at the beach; gear should be sourced in East London.
- Gear Storage
- Available for guests staying at the caravan park.
- Gear Repair
- Specialized repair shops are in East London; no dedicated repair is reported on-site.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Yellow Sands Coast (Kwelera) offers a rugged Wild Coast setting near East London, with outdoor-focused tourism and coastal scenery alongside wave sports.
South Africa's first island-based botanical garden protecting coastal dune forests.
Big Five game viewing and elephant interactions.
A hub for local eateries and supply shops serving the coastal community.
Offers zip-lining, canoeing, and family-friendly outdoor activities.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Yellowsands (Yellow Sands Point)?
The best overall months at Yellowsands (Yellow Sands Point) are January, February, March, September, October, November, December, June, July, August. The best wind months are June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Yellowsands (Yellow Sands Point)?
Yellowsands (Yellow Sands Point) works with NE, SW, W winds. Offshore directions are W.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Yellowsands (Yellow Sands Point)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Yellowsands (Yellow Sands Point): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.7–5.7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Yellowsands (Yellow Sands Point) suitable for?
Yellowsands (Yellow Sands Point) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Expert.