The 5 best surf spots in Namibia

Namibia is located in southwest Africa, sandwiched between the Kalahari Desert and the rugged Atlantic Ocean. The country is known for its desert landscape, 1570 km of exposed coastline to the Atlantic Ocean, which receives swell from the cold Benguela current, and has one of the longest left-handed waves in the world, Skeleton Bay. After some impressive videos of this wave spread on the internet, Namibia immediately became the focus of the surfing community and became the number one destination for many swellchasers around the world.

But Namibia also has many other surf spots and still many untouched stretches of coastline to explore. The Namib Desert stretches the entire coast and can be hundreds of kilometers wide in some places, making it difficult to explore, but there are definitely still some gems waiting to be found.

Skeleton Bay

The only surf spot that is well visited is the legendary Skeleton Bay. Probably the most famous wave in Namibia is a left sided barrel wave that stretches for almost 2.1 km, along a perfect sandbar. Many professional surfers come to Namibia every year to surf this wave.

A ride in Skeleton Bay can take you on a journey of up to 2,000 meters. In other words, an experienced surfer can ride a wave here for three and a half minutes.

Best time: Skeleton Bay in Swakopmund is an exposed point break with unsettled conditions. Winter is the best time of the year for surfing. Offshore winds blow from the northeast and there is no protection from slanting onshore breezes here. Light onshore winds ruin the quality. Groundswells are more common than windswells and the ideal swell angle comes from the southwest. There is no point break here. The best season for surfing Skeleton Bay with consistent clean waves is winter (June-August) and most often the month of June.

The wreck

This surf spot is a beautiful reef break that works best at high tide. It is often surfed only by locals. Depending on the direction of the swell, there are also some cool surf spots above and below the town. Like The Pass, which is the most famous surf spot in Byron Bay for longboarders from all over the world, Broken Head, which often offers super long waves and the inner section even often allows some small barrels or Belongil.

Best time: The coast is a very protected reef break with constant surf. The Australian winter (March- September) is the best time of the year for surfing. The offshore winds blow from the south-southwest. The beach tends to get a mix of groundswell and windswell, with the ideal wave direction coming from the southeast. Waves on the beach break both left and right, and there are both left- and right-turning reefs offshore. When the surf is high, crowds can be expected. The best season for surfing Byron Bay - The Wreck with consistent clean waves is winter and most often the month of June.

FYI: Watch out for wrecks, reefs, rocks, shark protected wrecks.

Gun

This was Namibia's most famous wave before Skeleton Bay became famous. Close to the surf action of Swakomund, it is still a great option to surf in Namibia, especially if you want to stay closer to the towns and avoid the long drive to Skeleton Bay.

Best time: Guns in Swakopmund is an exposed reef and point break with constant surf. Winter (June- September) is the best time of the year for surfing. The best wind direction is from east-northeast. Groundswells are more common than windswells and the best swell direction is west-southwest. It is unlikely that the beach will be crowded, even if the surf is high. The best season for surfing in Guns with consistent clean waves is winter and most often the month of July.

FYI: Hazards include sharks, seals and rocks.

Kite and windsurf spots

Walvis Bay, Swakopmund and Luderitz are the 3 best spots in Namibia for kite and windsurfing. Walvis Bay and Swakopmund are 30 kilometers apart and offer more than 9 excellent kitespots. Namibia's original speedstrip in Walvis Bay still boasts the fastest speed record ever set in sailing.

Another excellent spot that is easy to reach is the legendary Donkey Bay. Certainly the best "Left" in Africa and maybe even the world for surfers and kiters. The downwinders from Sandwich Harbour to Donkey Bay are fantastic for views and kiting. The lagoon is probably the best and safest spot in the world for beginners to start kiting. Constant wind and warm water make it a great place for lessons.

Luderitz, although located in the middle of nowhere, is a must for every kiter. This is where the fastest kiteboarders and windsurfers in the world meet at the end of each year to see if they can be the best in the world. Even if you are not a speed freak, Luderitz offers fantastic flat water and wave spots with probably the best wind in the world. Most days start with 9-meter kites and quickly move on to 7s and 6s. This is something you have to see.

Best time: August- December

You want to experience Namibia live?

Besides the top and world famous surf spots Namibia has much more to offer. The unique desert landscapes, indigenous traditions and animal encounters with the Big 5 are only a part of the adventures that await you there. You want the full program and an already planned trip through Namibia? Then check out our 14 days round trip through Namibia and experience unforgettable moments.

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