Surfing Spots on the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal

Surfing the perfect wave is singularly one of the most exceptional body, mind and soul experiences possible …
Have you tried it yet?
The South Coast of KwaZulu Natal is the perfect place to hone your skills.

The Insider’s Guide to KZN South Coast as a Premier Surfing destination.

The KZN South Coast is one of South Africa’s premier surfing destinations, known for it’s consistent swells, warm water, and variety of surf breaks. Stretching from Amanzimtoti to Port Edward, this coastline offers everything from fast reef breaks to gentle beach waves, catering to surfers of all skill levels.

Want to learn to surf? Check out the list of Surf Schools below and get started today.

We’ve compiled a breakdown of the Best Surfing Spots and all the info you need before heading out there. And to make things even easier we have a downloadable Copy of the Surf Breaks and Best Conditions table. Stay safe and Have Fun!

Best times to go surfing:

Winter
The most consistent surf happens in the winter months, from May to August, mainly due to the cold fronts that sweep up the coast from the Cape, bringing solid 6-8ft (2-2.5m) swells, lighting up all the pointbreaks along the KZN coast. There is clean surf most mornings during winter as a gentle land breeze blows straight offshore from the Drakensberg mountains

Summer
In summer, swells tend to be smaller with fun surf at most beachbreaks almost every day. Prevailing NE winds provide windswell along with the regular groundswells from the south. During summer months, offshore days are rare due to the dominant NE onshore wind. The big bonus may come from the summer tropical cyclone swells forming off the east coast of Madagascar before tracking south and often pushing in seriously big swell to the Mozambique and KwaZulu Natal coast. A lot of spots are at their best in these E swells although many of the points prefer SW. Tides are semi-diurnal, 8ft (2.4m) max tidal range.

A brief history of Surfing on the KZN South Coast

Surfing on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast has a rich history dating back to the early 1960s. The region’s beautiful coastline, with its plentiful sand-bottom point-breaks, has long been a magnet for surfers seeking world-class waves.

With its reliable surf conditions and a thriving surfing community, the region has undoubtedly nurtured and produced many talented surfers over the years. A shout-out to the Surfing Clubs on the Coast which are actively involved in developing young surfers, hosting local contests and fostering a strong surf culture along the Coast. The Clubs include: Scottburgh Boardriders Club, Warner Beach Boardriders Club, Umzumbe Boardriders Club, St. Mike’s Boardriders Club and Margate Boardriders Club. The Ugu Surfriders Association represent the entire South Coast Region in provincial and National Competitions.

The South Coast boasts several legendary surf spots, including St. Michael’s-on-Sea, nicknamed St. Mikes, which is considered the mecca of South Coast surfing. Other notable locations include Scottburgh, Umzumbe, and Port Edward each offering unique wave characteristics that challenge and delight surfers of all skill levels.

The region’s surfing history has however been intertwined with concerns about shark attacks. In response to a series of fatal incidents in the late 1950s, shark nets were introduced along the coast. The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board, established in 1962, has since maintained these nets and drum lines at 37 locations along the coast. While controversial due to their impact on marine life, these measures have significantly reduced shark attacks and helped restore confidence among surfers and beachgoers.

In recent years, alternative shark deterrent technologies have emerged. At Margate Beach, an electric shark repellent system has been installed, offering a more environmentally friendly approach to bather protection. This innovation, along with personal devices like the Rpela shark deterrent for surfboards, represents the ongoing evolution of safety measures in the region’s surfing culture.

Today, the KZN South Coast remains a premier surfing destination, attracting both local and international surfers with its consistent waves, warm waters, and the promise of uncrowded breaks.

Local Surfing Heroes

Several South Coast Surfers have made a name for themselves both nationally and/or internationally (we included some up-and-coming names too):

Kay Holt
Heather Clark
Sandile Mquadi

Anthony Brodowic
Sarah Baum
Louise Lepront

Clay Turrell
Zubeida Bux
Sean Thompson

Jordy Boshoff
Lwando Dlezi
JJ Hoffman

Best Surfing Spots on the KZN South Coast

The KZN South Coast is a surfer’s paradise, offering a mix of beach, reef, and point breaks suitable for all levels. Whether you’re a beginner catching your first wave at Amanzimtoti or an advanced surfer chasing barrels at Scottburgh or Uvongo, there’s a perfect wave for everyone.

So, from Amanzimtoti to Port Edward – we’ve provided a Breakdown of the Top Surfing Spots below.

Amanzimtoti (Toti) – Consistent Beach Breaks & Easy Access

🌊 Break Type: Beach break, mostly right-handers.
🏄 Best For: Beginners to intermediates.
🛶 Paddle Out: Easy from shore.
🦈 Shark Nets: ✅
👮‍♂️ Lifeguards: ✅
🪨 Rocks: Minimal

Toti is a great spot for learning and has a strong local surf community. The paddle-out is easy, and the shark nets provide peace of mind.

Warner Beach – Hollow & Powerful Waves

🌊 Break Type: Beach break with occasional reef sections.
🏄 Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers.
🛶 Paddle Out: Moderate effort required.
🦈 Shark Nets: Yes.
👮‍♂️ Lifeguards: Yes.
🪨 Rocks: Some near the reef section.

Warner Beach is known for its hollow, fast waves, making it a favorite among bodyboarders and shortboarders looking for barrels.

Green Point – Classic Right

🌊 Break Type: Point break.
🏄 Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers.
🛶 Paddle Out: Moderate effort required.
🦈 Shark Nets: No.
👮‍♂️ Lifeguards: No.
🪨 Rocks: Rock bottom.

Green Point Surf Spot is a classic, consistent right-hand point break that delivers excellent waves during a big swell. While smaller swells are still rideable, the break can be challenging and extends for approximately 300 meters.

Umkomaas – Home to Aliwal Shoal & Big Swells

🌊 Break Type: Reef break, powerful lefts & rights.
🏄 Best For: Advanced surfers.
🛶 Paddle Out: Long and challenging.
🦈 Shark Nets: No (due to Aliwal Shoal marine reserve).
👮‍♂️ Lifeguards: No.
🪨 Rocks: Yes, reef break.

Umkomaas is better known for diving, but when the swell is right, this break can produce big, heavy waves.

Scottburgh – One of the most famous Right-handers in SA

🌊 Break Type: Right-hand point break.
🏄 Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers.
🛶 Paddle Out: From the beach, it can be tricky in big surf.
🦈 Shark Nets: Yes.
👮‍♂️ Lifeguards: Yes.
🪨 Rocks: Minimal.

Scottburgh is a must-surf spot on the South Coast. It’s known for its long, peeling right handers, perfect for carving and barrel rides.

Happy Wanderers (Kelso) – point break with great tubes and large breaks.

🌊 Break Type: Short Reef point break combined with sandbars – amazing tubes
🏄 Best For: Beginners – Advanced surfers (depending on time of year / swell)
🛶 Paddle Out: Moderate
🦈 Shark Nets: No
👮‍♂️ Lifeguards: No.
🪨 Rocks: Yes, reef break

Happy Wanderers is known for the amazing long tubes when the sandbars are lined up. Can occasionally be crowded with the best time for a surf being Winter. Also with the right conditions wave heights can get up to 8 ft.

Umzumbe – Consistent clean waves

🌊 Break Type: Point break.
🏄 Best For: Beginner to intermediate
🛶 Paddle Out: Minimal
🦈 Shark Nets: Yes
👮‍♂️ Lifeguards: Yes
🪨 Rocks: Nearby

Umzumbe is known for being a reliable point break most of the year around. Home to a surfschool so definitely one for the beginners. Also, it is very seldom crowded.

Banana Beach – The local’s favourite

🌊 Break Type: Point Break.
🏄 Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers.
🛶 Paddle Out: Moderate effort required.
🦈 Shark Nets: No
👮‍♂️ Lifeguards: No
🪨 Rocks: Nearby

Banana Beach is a point break that can be exposed to weather. Rarely gets crowded. This is one of the hubby’s favourite surf spots. Best time for a surf is during winter.

St. Michael’s (St. Mike’s) – Fun & Popular with Longboarders

🌊 Break Type: Right-hand reef break.
🏄 Best For: Intermediate surfers, good for longboarding.
🛶 Paddle Out: Short, easy paddle.
🦈 Shark Nets: Yes.
👮‍♂️ Lifeguards: Yes.
🪨 Rocks: Yes, reef bottom.

St. Mike’s is a great all-round wave, offering fun rides with gentle walls for longboarders and shortboarders alike. One of the surfing spots that can be crowded at times. Short paddle out if you jump off the rocks.

Uvongo – A Scenic, Heavy Reef Break

🌊 Break Type: Right-hand reef break.
🏄 Best For: Advanced surfers.
🛶 Paddle Out: Can be challenging in big swell.
🦈 Shark Nets: Yes.
👮‍♂️ Lifeguards: Yes.
🪨 Rocks: Yes, sharp reef.

Uvongo is a powerful wave that works best in large swells. The paddle-out from the beach can be intense, or else jump off the rocks for the reward is a long, fast ride. You can surf off both north and south side of the beach.

Margate – Beach Break with Strong Rip Currents

🌊 Break Type: Beach break, lefts & rights.
🏄 Best For: Beginners to intermediates.
🛶 Paddle Out: Moderate effort.
🦈 Shark Nets: Yes.
👮‍♂️ Lifeguards: Yes.
🪨 Rocks: No.

Margate is a popular family beach, and while it offers decent waves, it can get crowded with swimmers.

Southbroom – One of the Best Kept Secrets

🌊 Break Type: Right-hand point break.
🏄 Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers.
🛶 Paddle Out: Moderate effort.
🦈 Shark Nets: No.
👮‍♂️ Lifeguards: Limited.
🪨 Rocks: Yes.

Southbroom offers powerful, clean right-hand waves, with fewer crowds than other South Coast breaks.

Port Edward – Powerful, Isolated Surf Spot

🌊 Break Type: Right-hand reef & beach break.
🏄 Best For: Advanced surfers.
🛶 Paddle Out: Long and challenging.
🦈 Shark Nets: No.
👮‍♂️ Lifeguards: No.
🪨 Rocks: Yes.

Port Edward is a remote and wild surf spot. When the conditions align, it offers some of the best waves on the South Coast. You can jump off the rocks on the south side depending on where the break is.

Want to Learn to Surf?

There are several surf schools on the KZN South Coast where beginners can learn to surf and more experienced surfers can refine their skills. These schools offer surf lessons, equipment rentals, and coaching for all ages and skill levels.

Surf Schools on the KZN South Coast

Riptide Surf School (Scottburgh)

Location: Scottburgh Beach
✔ Offers beginner to advanced surf lessons
✔ Group and private coaching available
✔ Surfboard and wetsuit rentals

📞 Contact: [Check Facebook or Local Listings]

Surf Action Surf School (Amanzimtoti)

Location: Amanzimtoti Main Beach
✔ Professional surf coaching for all ages
✔ Specializes in beginner-friendly lessons
✔ Surfboard rentals available

📞 Contact: +27 82 877 4748

Learn 2 Surf South Coast (Various Locations)

Locations: Scottburgh, Umzumbe, and Margate
✔ Certified instructors offering one-on-one and group lessons
✔ Focuses on ocean safety and surfing fundamentals
✔ Surf camps available for kids and adults

🌍 Website: www.learn2surf.co.za

Umzumbe Surf Camp & School

Location: Umzumbe Beach
✔ Professional coaching in a laid-back, tropical setting
✔ Offers surf & stay packages with accommodation
✔ Focus on eco-friendly and sustainable surfing

🌍 Website: www.umzumbesurfcamp.com/

Private Surf Coaches Available

In addition to surf schools, many experienced surfers and coaches offer private lessons along the KZN South Coast. You can often find them through Facebook groups, local boardrider clubs, or surf shops.