Located on the Cape Peninsula, South Africa, Black Rocks is a world-class reef break that offers up a massive barreling A-frame. The waves here are very heavy and break for up to 100 meters (328 ft) both ways over a shallow rock shelf. This spot really needs a massive swell to even start working. Locals guard this spot jealously; if you don’t know people in the lineup or there are more than ten (yes, ten) people in the water, don’t bother paddling out—you won’t get waves.
What are the best surf conditions for Black Rocks?
Gets good between double and triple overhead. We recommend riding a step-up or gun as the size picks up. This spot is good for advanced surfers. The surf here is somewhat consistent for needing a massive swell (5/10) and will get very crowded (8/10). The best winds are from the Northeast. The best swells are from the South and Southwest. Works on a mid to high tide best.
We recommend wearing a 3/2 in summers when water temperatures rise to 19°C (66.2°F). In the winter, a 4/3 might be best as temps drop to about 15°C (59°F). See the temperature chart below for more data on this.
