Located on the Garden Route, South Africa, Tidle Pools is a pretty heavy right-hand reef break that offers up a heaving barrel. There is a strong rip that will swing you left of the break if you try and paddle, best to rock hop. The urchins will ensure that your feet will be shredded. The waves here are very challenging and break for up to 100 meters (328 ft) over a rock bottom. Take care.
What are the best surf conditions for Tidle Pools?
Gets good between overhead and triple overhead. We recommend riding a shortboard and then a step up as the size picks up. This break is suitable for intermediate and advanced-level surfers. The surf here is consistent (6/10) and will generally be uncrowded (3/10). The best winds are from the north, northeast, and northwest. Works on a south or southwest swell. Best on a pushing tide at any level.
We recommend wearing a spring suit in summer when water temperatures rise to 20°C (68°F). In the winter, a 3/2 might be best as temps drop to about 17°C (62.6°F). See the temperature chart below for more data on this.
