1.

Will I get waves?

Our swells are consistent and fanned by regular offshores.  Our variety of surfing sites is positioned to provide consistant surf.  J-Bay will provide long lines throughout the winter months.  But, the true beauty of a vacation based in East London is your guarantee that there WILL be waves all year round

 
                           Middle Easterns

2.

What will we do when the surf drops?

There is lots to see in the East London area.  Our options include:

• Taking you to local game farms to view rhinoceros, antelope, lions and other game from close-up in beautiful bushveld surroundings

• Taking a trip into the country, whether in the mountains, down near the rivers or on desolate beaches where you can “stop and smell the roses” or space out for a while

• Taking you to meet the people and see the sights.

• OR you can kick back and relax in comfort.  It’s your call!

 
Double Pipe ( Easterns )

3.

How big are the waves?

At Nahoon Reef, you can expect 2ft to 6ft waves (on occasion) in summer;  3ft to 6ft plus in autumn (fall);  3ft to 8ft in winter (when it can get hairy) and 2ft to 6ft in spring.  Gonubie Reef (lefts) is rideable at 3ft to 4ft, but can hold 6ft to 10ft.  This type of swell arrives at Gonubie Reef in autumn (fall) and winter.  Queensbury will be about 2ft to 4ft most of the time, but is rideable at 8ft plus.  Port Alfred is consistently 2ft to 4ft and can hold 6ft plus.  J-Bay is consistently 2ft to 3ft, but is rideable from 3ft to 8-10ft. 

 
Wimpy

4.

Should I bring a board and wetsuit?

Your board might be unsuitable for our conditions.  Although our amateur  photos might not show the power, even 4ft to 5ft waves on our coast call for a slightly longer board.  When it’s 6ft, you’ll need some meat on your board and a bit of length, otherwise you’re in for some late take-offs.  E-mail us if in doubt.  We are equipped to arrange a custom local board to be waiting for you if you wish.  Custom boards are cheap -US $210. If you’re interested, e-mail us for details. Wetsuits are also made in East London and the purchase price for a full suit is US$ 120 while a spring suit costs US$ 65

 
Nahoon scenery

5.

What are the local surfers like and are there crowds in the water?

Even on a good day at surf spots in town, you will get your fair share of waves.  Our surf spots are uncrowded.  At some spots, you might find that we are the only ones out!  Local surfers are friendly and, in the main, welcome visitors.  Because there is no crowd pressure, a simple “hello” will break the ice.  Localism does not exist.

1.

Where is South Africa and what’s East London like?

South Africa is a large country of contrasts at the southern tip of Africa.Our stable democracy  is a blend of first and third world cultures.  Large areas are similar to Africa as you might have perceived it to be and others are quite modern and perhaps, similar to parts of North America and Australia.  But, it’s also quite different and exciting.  East London is the only city in South Africa with a river port.  Affordability, mild climate and easy hospitality make it a magic holiday destination.  Its strategic location allows access to a diverse range of unique landscapes, pristine beaches and national treasures, including a wealth of flora and fauna.  Some of our local surf spots are situated in beautiful wilderness areas, with nobody in sight.  East London has modern amenities such as reliable communications, clean drinkable tap water and passable roads.

2.

Will I fit in?

South Africans belong to a friendly, open society that welcomes visitors.  You will feel relaxed and quite at home in our simple and “laid back” community. We are a mixture of interesting cultures. English is the language understood by most.

 
Yellows point

3.

What clothes will I need?

We’ve set out a list of items which you should bring with you above.  In summer, you will get by with shorts and a T-shirt.  Only if you visit after March, will you need to add a jumper and a pair of jeans.  By November, you can forget about the jeans again.  J-Bay can get cold in winter, but in East London, you probably won’t need longs unless you really feel the cold.  We suggest you buy any extra clothing here – it will cost you virtually nothing!

 
Long walls @ Nahoon Reef

4.

What do South Africans eat?

South African cuisine is literally a melting pot of different cultures.  We have learned to mix ethnic dishes with Malay, Indian, Chinese and English traditional foods.  Fast foods, such as hamburgers, pizza, fried chicken, curry and rice and a host of other combinations can be bought at numerous fast food outlets.  South Africans are known to eat a fair amount of meat, so vegetarians should make their preferences clear in advance!  Our most popular local spread is a “braai” (our version of a barbeque) with salad and/or vegetable side dishes, rolls or garlic bread, accompanied by a Castle Lager beer or two.  On surfari, your menu will loosely consist of:

Breakfast – local cereals and porridge with yoghurt and fruit juice.If it’s cool we’ll chow bacon and eggs.

Mid-morning snack – crackers with delicious fillings, fruit (including sub-tropical fruits),fruit yogurt,and soft drinks.

Lunch – we’ll have to play this one by ear, as you may not want to come out of the water! Lunch will be a big chow if we’re not going into the water for an hour or two.

Dinner – dishes like pasta with sauce or lasagne, beef or chicken stews on a bed of rice or samp (local maize staple food) with vegetables and of course, the “any occasion” braai.

Liquor is cheap in South Africa and we’ll make sure that you make the acquaintance of the local brews shortly after you arrive!

 
Nahoon Corner

5.

What if I fall ill?

Both East London and Port Elizabeth (near Jeffreys Bay) have excellent private hospitals and doctors equipped to deal with any illness or emergency.  You should ideally have medical insurance which usually comes free with your ticket if you purchase your airfare by credit card.