The wind is channelled to blow strongest in the impact zone (similar to Cape Point). Even in strong winds with big swells, the wave faces remain smooth and do not close-out, allowing for unparalled wave-riding conditions !

Intermediate wave sailors can sail on the windward side of the bay where the waves are small, and break on a sandy bed. Experts can sail the main peaks, but must take care of the treacherous rocks on the downwind side of the bay and the shallow reefs on the inside. On massive days it is still possible to get out on the windward side of the bay, ride a few ¾ mast high waves, and then maybe one 1 ½ mast high main peak wave!

When the wind is light (early mornings), Swartriet is an excellent surfspot with consistent peaking beachbreak waves.

Warning

Sail at your own risk. Avoid the rocks on the Northern side of the bay. Take care of the shallow reefs on the inside. The southerly winds are cross-offshore ie. if something breaks you will tend to drift away from land! Waves break hard (top to bottom), even on days with small swell.

Ideal conditions for Swartriet

Just after passing cold fronts, the wind turns South East at Swartriet while it is still blowing South West in Cape Town.

Whenever the surf in Cape Town is flat, and the South Easter is blowing along the West Coast, there is always a wave at Swartriet. Swartriet also gets a strong North wind before approaching cold fronts. The wind starts blowing here a day before the NW starts blowing in Cape Town.

Costs

Costs for day visitors are R10 per car and R5 per person.

Ideal West Coast base

Swartriet is the ideal West Coast base. The best flat water sailing in the country is nearby at Langebaan, while the best Cape surfspot is nearby at Elandsbay (good windsurfing here too). Other attractions include the West Coast National Park and the Cedarberg mountain range.