Magnet Rock

Magnet Rock is a surf spot located in Cape Town, South Africa. The spot sits near the harbor area, and access can be tricky. Surfers usually park in front of the rocks on the gravel or in the harbor, then walk over concrete structures called dolloses to reach the water. Getting in can be risky, especially at high tide. The paddle out is long but goes through calm water, using a channel between two sets of rocks in front of the makeshift car park. The surf spot only works when a big Indian Ocean storm swell hits, and the bay’s shape plus a lot of kelp help clean up the swell before it breaks. The takeoff is fairly easy at first, with the wave starting off crumbly, but as it hits the shallower reef, it stands up and gets solid. The spot provides right waves. The bottom is a mix of rocks and sand, and you can surf it at all tides. The wave length is between 150 and 300 meters. The spot is often empty, but when it works, a few locals will be out. Watch them to find the takeoff zone, which is just to the left of the big rock in the middle of the bay and a bit further out. Be careful of the kelp and avoid going left to prevent hitting Magnet Rock. The water quality can be poor due to pollution from the nearby Black River. The spot is best during east winds and needs a big swell to work. Check your skills before paddling out, be sure that the spot and conditions fit your surfing level. Always respect the locals and check the surf etiquette when the spot is crowded. For the latest surf forecast, report, map, and webcam, check local surf resources. Nearby surf spots include Kokkerot, Waterfalls, Betty’s Bay, Penguins, and Silver Sands.