Surfing Guide to Namibia

• Summary

• When to go

• Surf Camps

• Where to stay

• Getting there

• Safety/Things to know

• Surf spots

Summary

Here is a good one for the most adventurous surfer out there. If you are into surfing in empty line-ups with countless amount of seals and dolphins while discovering a friendly culture, Namibia could be a good option for you.

 

To find the best surfing destination for you, try our WaveFinder search engine!

 

Apart from the few Skeleton Bay endless barrel videos that leaked the internet, Namibia remains a pretty untouched surfing destination. The cities still have a strong European influence but as soon as you escape them, you will find an endless coastline with huge surfing potential…and barely anyone out.

 

While Skeleton Bay is a very fickle and tricky spot that only works on large swells, you will find some consistent breaks near the Swakopmund area. For the rest, it is all still up to you to discover. Beginners will have a bit of a harder time here and would most definitely prefer learning with a surf school in South Africa.

 

Namibia is also home of the world’s oldest desert, the Namib. Safaris are offered and represent the opportunity of a lifetime to see some of the most amazing wildlife.

 

When to go

The best time to surf Namibia depends on what kind of conditions you are looking for. This part of the African coast is exposed to consistent groundswells throughout the year. For bigger waves, April to October is the best time to go while November to March will offer smaller waves with summer conditions.

 

 

 

Surf Camps in Namibia

The Salty Jackal is a great surfing hostel in Swakopmund, offering several Surf Camp packages. Surf Camps include accommodation, daily surfing lessons, surfing equipment and much more!

starts at US$556, including:

• All surf equipment included
• 2 hours daily surf lesson for 5 days
• Surf transport and ISA qualified surf coach / guide
• Beautiful garden with lawns and edible plants & herbs for delicious, healthy cooking
• Access to fitness equipment, table tennis, slackline, and balance board
• Hammocks and a comfy lounge with board games and books
• Booking service for activities and safaris
• 7 nights accommodation

 

 

 

 

Where to stay

A good place to stay on a surf trip to Namibia is Swakopmund, a coastal surf town which is surrounded by many surf spots.

 

 

 

Getting there

Some south-africans will simply drive up there on a good swell forecast but otherwise, your way in is flying to Windhoek or Swakopmund.

 

 

Safety/things to know

• Watch out for rips and currents
• Surfing Cape Cross is now forbidden to protect the seals. There are a few other spots nearby.

 

 

Surf spots in Namibia

Skeleton Bay

The world’s longest barreling wave is right here in Namibia. Skeleton Bay is a fickle and inconsistent surf spot that needs a powerful SW swell and favorable wind to starts working. When it does, it is nothing less than epic. 

• Wave direction : Left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : NE

 

 

Guns

A solid left-hander that can hold powerful swells. More manageable than Skeleton Bay but still challenging when it gets big. Suited for intermediate to advanced surfers.

• Wave direction : Left
• Bottom : Sand and rocks
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : NE

 

 

Wreck

A more accessible beach and reef break near Swakopmund, offering both lefts and rights. Works best on high tide and is surfable for all skill levels.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Sand and rocks
• Best tide : High
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : NE

 

 

Mussels

A quieter left-hander that can produce fun waves with the right conditions. Works well on a mid to low tide and is suitable for most surfers.

• Wave direction : Left
• Bottom : Sand and rocks
• Best tide : Mid to low
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : NE

 

 

Pebbles

A rocky reef offering both rights and lefts. Can get quite punchy, especially on higher tides. More suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Rocks
• Best tide : High
• Skill level : Mid to high
• Optimal swell direction : SW
• Optimal wind direction : NE