Black Rocks

Black Rocks is a surf spot located in Cape Town, South Africa, inside the Cape Point Nature Reserve and close to Buffels Bay and Crayfish Factory. The spot is known for its challenging surf conditions and is best suited for experienced or expert surfers. The bottom is a coral reef, and the wave length ranges from 150 to 300 meters. The spot provides both left and right waves. Swells need to be large, especially from the southeast, to push into the swell window between Cape Point and Hangklip, and the best conditions are with westerly winds and clean groundswell. The surf here is more consistent than some nearby spots, but it only breaks sometimes and often has long lulls between sets. When the sets arrive, the waves can be powerful, especially on the right, and the spot can handle swells up to about 5 feet (1.5 meters), with rare days seeing even bigger waves. The take-off zone is small and can get crowded, so respect the locals and always check the surf etiquette when the spot is busy. Localism is strong, and if you are not familiar with the spot or the surfers in the water, it can be hard to get waves. Sharks are present in the area, and wildlife like baboons can be seen nearby. Water temperatures range from 14 to 16°C in mid-July to 19 to 22°C in late January, so bring the right wetsuit. The spot is close to other surf locations like Extensions, Dias Beach, Southwest Reef, and Olifantsbos. Always check the surf forecast, report, map, and webcam before heading out. Check your skills before paddling out, be sure that the spot and conditions match your level.