Umhlanga Reviews and Ratings
(South-Africa – Kwazulu – Natal)
Visitor reviews of Umhlanga surf break
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
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December 05, 2011
Jakes Potgieter from South Africa
Just as a heads up, but you have the NE winds as off/cross shore for Umhlanga in South Africa, but it is actually a dead cross shore wind. The north wind is more off/cross shore. I'm sure that this is leading to inaccurate reports. Would it be possible to update your model?
[editor's reply: Thanks Jake. Fixed that]
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Umhlanga Ratings
Based on 3 votes. Vote
Quality on a good day: 3.3
(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class).
Consistency of surf: 3.0
(1: Umhlanga is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot).
Regional rating: 3.0
(1: Umhlanga is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in South-Africa - Kwazulu - Natal. 5: the best break in South-Africa - Kwazulu - Natal).
Difficulty level: 2.7
(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only).
Onshore wind: 3.0
(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Umhlanga can offer better rides with a light wind behind them).
Other options: 2.0
(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Umhlanga, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures).
Wind and kite surfing: 4.0
(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Umhlanga are often excellent).
Water quality: 3.7
(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution).
Crowds: 2.3
(1: Often too crowded. 5: Umhlanga is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers).
Access: 4.3
(1: Getting to Umhlanga requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break).
Scenery: 3.0
(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting).
Local attitude: 3.0
(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly).
Accommodation: 3.5
(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Umhlanga for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels).
Camping: 1.0
(1: Camping at Umhlanga is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe).
Entertainment: 3.0
(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Umhlanga is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus).
Equipment and repairs: 2.5
(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too).
Eating: 5.0
(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Umhlanga, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants).
Drinking: 3.5
(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Umhlanga where you can stay or park a camper van overnight).
Based on 3 votes. Vote
