Surfing in Muizenberg

“Danger” is my middle name. No, not really. I’m actually more of an analytical risk-taker and what I mean by that is I know my limits and take risks that push them just a bit – like when it comes to surfing in Muizenberg.

Muizenberg is one of the top places to surf in the world. On most days the waves are long and never ending which is why so many people are there surfing. What makes it risky for me is that I’m not the best surfer, I don’t really swim and the water is infested with sharks. Although, truth be told, I didn’t really factor in the shark part in my “risk” equation as it seems all surfing areas are infested with sharks.

Sure shark attacks happen, but Muizenberg beach has a shark warning system. This sounds all high tech, but really it’s a couple of spotters located at high lookout points who are supposed to sound an alarm if they happen to see a shark in the area. The problem is that on a lot of the days, the spotting conditions are poor so you are pretty much just hoping the sharks aren’t hungry.

Anyway, let’s forget about the sharks, and talk about the surfing – which was amazing. The great thing with Muizenberg is it’s all about the surf, but they know that tourists aren’t going to have all the stuff to pull it off. So you can rent boards and wet suits by the hour there for really cheap. And you will need a wet suit as the water was pretty chilly when I went in December.

You can also take surf lessons from the Roxy Learn to Surf place in the Surf Emporium. I booked a 90 minute lesson for around $20 US and that included my board and everything.

I’ve taken lessons before, but because it’s always a few years in between my surfing extravaganzas, I figure more lessons can’t hurt.  Each instructor has taught me something new and the best part is that they push you into the wave so you don’t get too exhausted with the paddling and just have to focus on standing -- which is hard enough.

My surf instructor, Richard.

I admit this has been my best surfing experience so far – even though I did drink lots of sea water and fell off the board 90% of the time. I was so hooked that I was planning to go back a second time – until I woke up the next morning and felt the soreness in my muscles. But I do see another Muizenberg trip in my future.