5. Jeffreys Bay
One of the world’s best right point breaks
Often referred to as J-Bay, Jeffreys Bay is regarded as the surfing mecca of South Africa and home to one of the best right point breaks on the planet. Located on the western edge of South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, also home to some of the best kitesurfing in the world, Jeffreys Bay is situated inside a crescent-shaped bay that shelters many of its incredible point breaks. Sharks wander off and the water is so cold you’ll feel like you’re surfing in Santa Cruz, but besides that, it’s pretty close to a perfect surf spot.
The region was first popularized in The Endless Summer, when Bruce Brian stumbled upon Cape Saint Francis — the spot that is now lovingly referred to as Bruce’s Beauties. Although Brian deemed the spot perfect at the time, J-Bay, located just to the east, is more deserving of surfing glory.
The ten sections of Jeffreys Bay
Offshore winds shape the classic point break, which offers long rides, fast walls, and barreling sections. J-Bay is sometimes thought of as one particular spot, but it’s actually home to ten different sections: Kitchen Windows, Magnatubes, Boneyards, Supertubes, Impossibles, Salad Bowls, Coins, Tubes, The Point, and Albatross.
Supertubes is regarded as the crown jewel of the region, offering long, fast waves — this is where contests are typically held. The Point and Albatross offer slower, more manageable waves, well-suited for intermediate surfers and longboarders. The spot works during all tides, but tends to be best on a mid-incoming tide. While J-Bay sees waves year-round, it’s best during the winter months when storms come in close to shore.
