Excellent waves. The swell can get quite large out here, as Swartriet is totally exposed to the Atlantic swell. Deep sea reefs refract the ocean swells resulting in two amplified peaking waves in the bay. Waves here are generally twice the size compared to Cape Town (Sunset Beach). The rocky points on either end prevent longshore currents that flow with the wind (e.g. no reduction in apparent wind), allowing for excellent jumping conditions. Intermediate wave sailors can sail on the windward side of the bay where the waves are small, and break on a sandy bed. Experts can sail the main peaks, but must take care of the treacherous rocks on the downwind side of the bay and the shallow reefs on the inside. On massive days it is still possible to get out on the windward side of the bay, ride a few 3/4 mast high waves, and then maybe one 1.5 mast high main peak wave. When the wind is light (early mornings), Swartriet is an excellent surfspot with consistent peaking beachbreak waves. Avoid the rocks on the Northern side of the bay. Take care of the shallow reefs on the inside.
SE winds are the norm for summer with NW in the winter. The wind is channeled to blow strongest in the impact zone. Just after passing cold fronts, the wind turns South East at Swartriet while it is still blowing South West in Cape Town. Swartriet also gets a strong North wind before approaching cold fronts. The wind starts blowing here a day before the NW starts blowing in Cape Town.
Drive towards Langebaan, then towards Saldanha. From here about 10km along the coast until you pass by the farm at Swartriet. Stop at the reception and ask for access and pay the fee. Then follow the "Dagbesoekers" signs. Park at the parking lot, rig your gear and walk over the dune to the beach.
It's actually a privately owned farm. However, the owners do allow boarders to ride here, as long as they report to the reception on arriving. It is essential that you do this, because if they get the impression that a couple of boarders are abusing the facilities, access might be limited. Once you have been to the reception, follow the ?DAGBESOEKERS? signs (Day Visitors) to the beach. The owners are quite strict about the opening and closing hours. This can be tragic if the wind is up, and the waves are good, and the sun happens to be setting at 20:00. The only way around this is to spend the night on the farm. Costs for day visitors are R10 per car and R5 per person.
