Technical details of Buffelsbaai spot

Spot functioning

The spot works with SE to SW wind. The bay offers more forgiving conditions than Goukamma or the open coast. Waves are attenuated by the bay configuration. Rideable at all tides. At low tide, the beach widens. Good intermediate spot between the committing conditions of Goukamma and the flat water of Knysna Lagoon.

On the water

Waves of 0.5-1.5 metres in the bay, less than on the open coast. Sandy bottom. Moderate chop. The bay offers relative protection from large swells. Water temperature between 17-21°C. 3/2 wetsuit in summer, 4/3 in winter.

Required level

Intermediate

Spot opening date

Open all year round

Parking

Parking in Buffalo Bay village, access via tarred road from the N2. Small parking at the end of the road near the beach. Residential and quiet. Some spaces along the access road. No commercial facilities, bring supplies.

Hazards

Rocks on the bay headlands. Shore break during southwest swells. Sharks present in the area. No lifeguard service. Currents possible along rocky headlands. Relatively isolated spot but less so than Goukamma.

Wind specificities

Southeast wind arrives side-onshore, slightly attenuated by the eastern headland of the bay. Typical strength of 15-22 knots in summer. Southwest wind is more onshore and can build chop in the bay. The bay configuration offers some protection compared to the open coast. WSW wind is still rideable thanks to the bay opening towards the southwest.

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