(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Hi, as a long time (+40 years) surfer, surfing Umhlanga (also known as Rox) the best surf is during winter months May through end July when the early morning off-shore winds blow until about 11am. The summer easterlies are strong and cause lumpy waves and bring serious stinging blue bottles. Best time in summer is the day following a westerly and before the east pumps. Best regards greg”
Greg fendt from SOUTH AFRICA - 30 Aug 2013
Umhlanga Ratings
Overall: 3.0. Based on 7 votes and 2 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 3.8(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: 3.6(1: Umhlanga is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 3.8(1: Umhlanga is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. 5: the best break in KwaZulu-Natal North Coast). |
Difficulty Level: 3.2(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 3.5(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Umhlanga can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 2.8(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: 4.5(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Umhlanga are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 4.2(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.0(1: Often too crowded. 5: Umhlanga is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 4.6(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: 3.5(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 3.8(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 4.2(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Umhlanga for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 2.5(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: 4.0(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: 3.2(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: 4.0(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). |
“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]”
Jakes Potgieter from SOUTH AFRICA - 05 Dec 2011
Nearest