A multi-peak point-break setup on the southern Cape Peninsula, Scarborough offers a right-hand point, two reef breaks, and a sandbar that fires on the right swell. It works best on SW to NW swell from 3ft to well overhead, with mid to high tide keeping the sections full and rideable. Offshore winds blow from the NE, which is the prevailing berg wind direction in autumn and winter. The wave is fun rather than technical, suiting surfers from intermediate upward, though the bigger sets after storms demand respect. The southern rip runs along the rocks and can be used as a paddle channel in the right conditions, but it requires awareness. Bottom: mixed reef and sand. Season: autumn through winter, with the biggest swells arriving May through August. Consistency: moderate, fickle in summer. Dense kelp in the water is disorienting and can snag fins, so stay alert on every paddle.
Scarborough locals are protective of their wave for good reason: it does not fire often enough to absorb crowds. Weekdays are quiet. The community is friendly when numbers are low and the vibe turns tense when outsiders pile in. Come with humility, read the lineup before paddling out, and do not broadcast conditions on group chats or social media. The locals have asked directly that surf reports not be shared publicly.
Scarborough sits south of Kommetjie on the Cape Peninsula. The village has one road to the beach with a small parking area at the end. Facilities are minimal. Bring your own water and food. Water quality is generally clean but storm runoff can affect the bay. The beach carries a hazardous-beach classification from the City of Cape Town, primarily due to rip currents and wave energy.
Kommetjie to the north picks up similar swell and offers a longer, more consistent left-hand point. Long Beach at Kommetjie handles bigger SW swells and is more accessible for most skill levels. On smaller days, inner Noordhoek can offer protected beach-break peaks.
Forecast by Windy.app
