ZOCO SURFING ADVENTURES

SURFING HOLIDAYS IN JEFFREYS BAY, SOUTH AFRICA

Recommended boards and suits

Boards Jeffreys Bay: J-Bay is one of those waves where you can actually surf a board shorter than you'd expect, even on big days, you can get away with a fairly short board. Channels are popular as the waves are often clean and fast. On smaller days, a fish works well for linking sections, which tend to break even faster as they move further in on the reef.

A fast small-wave board, another a few inches bigger, and a semi-gun in the 6'9"-7'0" would be an ideal J-Bay quiver. However, you could get away with bringing just 2 boards A 6”0’ – 6”6’ for the smaller fun days and then a 6”10 – 7”6’ for the more serious stuff. Mini mals can also be surfed at most of the breaks. Longboards can be ridden at some of the breaks (they are not to welcome out at Supers though).

Tip: You can bring your boards with you or, if you are a more organized traveller, get one of the respected local shapers (Mike Meyer, Larry Levine, Des Sawyer, Mark Spowart, Jigsaw, Andrew Carter, Glen D'Arcy) to shape your boards and collect them on arrival.

Getting in and out of the water at J-Bay is a bit tricky to say the least. Time it right and you can paddle out without getting your hair wet, time it wrong and you will get a proper beating along with a lesson in humility. You have a couple of options regarding your trashed boards, if you aren't too attached, you can unload them at the local surf shops, or donate 'em to the penniless groms at Kitchen Windows.In winter one can still surf with a 3mm wetsuit.  Compared to prices elsewhere, if you are getting cold, you could purchase a top quality 4mm wetsuit for $250. 

Wetsuits Jeffreys Bay: In winter we recommend a 3 or 4mm wetsuit. A hood is a bonus on the days when the South West wind is howling and booties can prevent your feet from being lacerated on the razor sharp rocks.

Tip: Chances are, you will be surfing at least twice each day. So if you have two wetsuits, bring them both. The water is cold and you get tired of putting on your wet, cold wetsuit every morning and afternoon.

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