This used to be one of the Cape’s closely guarded wave spots, now the annual location of the German 'surf magazine' test. Swartriet, Afrikaans for “black reed”, is actually a privately owned farm; however, the owners do allow boardsailors to sail here, as long as they report to the reception on arriving. It is essential that you do this, because if they get the impression that a couple of boardsailors are abusing the facilities, access might be limited. Once you have been to the reception, follow the “DAGBESOEKERS” signs - Afrikaans for “Day Visitors” to the beach. Rigging Area: Once you have followed the “DAGBESOEKERS” signs, you come to a rough parking area, and a washed out, deserted house. Carry your equipment over the dunes to the beach, or rig up in the “parking lot”. Wave Conditions: The swell can get quite large out here, as Swartriet is totally exposed to the Atlantic swell. Additional Information: The owners are quite strict about the opening and closing hours. This can be tragic if the wind is up, and the waves are good, and the sun happens to be setting at 20:00. The only way around this is to spend the night on the farm.
You need to pay a small toll to enter the beach area. A peaking, fun beach break that works in two- to four-foot swell and light southeast to northeast breezes or glassy conditions. Very popular wave- sailing spot.