Map
Ansteys
Today's Surf Conditions at Ansteys
Spot Conditions Map
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Today's Surf & Wind Forecast (Hourly)
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Spot Overview & Description
Just a quick 800-meter stroll up the beach from Cave Rock, past the lefts of Inbetweens, Anstey's offers a welcome escape from the town-break hustle. Easy roadside parking makes it a convenient go-to for locals and visitors alike, though its reputation for less-critical peaks draws a crowd, especially when small to medium swells paint the sandbars. When winter whips up a solid south swell, Anstey's serves fast, pumping right-hand barrels that demand respect. Come summer, north-east pulses deliver wedgy lefts with a punch. The magic mark sits around 3 feet (0.9 meters), but it handles overhead sets with ease, breaking well out the back. Preferred swells roll in from the southeast, northeast, and southwest, while the best winds blow from the northwest. Nearly any tide works, so you can score a session from low to high without fuss. This spot is built for intermediate surfers—if you're still finding your feet, you'll want to watch from the sand. The waves pitch over a mix of uneven reef and sand, offering varied, interesting rides. If you're after a hollow alternative that's a touch less critical than the Bluff's other gems, Anstey's is worth a look—just pack your patience for the lineup.
Best Surf Season & Climatology
Best Surf Season (May - August)
During the Southern Hemisphere winter, the Indian Ocean storm track fires up, sending consistent, long-period groundswells towards the South African coast. At Ansteys, these months deliver the most reliable combination of powerful swell and favorable offshore winds. Average wave periods climb to 10.4-10.8 seconds, often bringing pumping to firing conditions in the 1.5-2.5m range. The dominant swell directions shift to include more S and SSE swells, which wrap nicely into the southeast-facing beach. Meanwhile, the percentage of offshore winds from the W, WNW, NW, and NNW peaks at 50-55%, meaning clean, groomed waves are the norm. This is prime time for quality surfing at Ansteys.
Fair Surf Season (March - April & September - October)
The shoulder seasons offer a mix of conditions. Swell heights remain solid (1.7-1.8m average) with periods around 9.6-10.0 seconds, providing rippable to solid waves. Offshore wind consistency drops to 28-37%, so you will need to time your sessions carefully. Swell is primarily from the E to SSE quadrant, with an increasing S component later in these months. When the wind does align from the west, the waves can be excellent. However, onshore winds from the east are more common, making morning windows often the best bet.
Low Surf Season (November - February)
Summer in South Africa brings a shift to more easterly wind regimes, which blow directly onshore at Ansteys. Offshore wind consistency falls to just 17-23%, and average wave periods drop to 8.7-9.4 seconds, resulting in average to punchy but often choppy conditions. Swell heights still average 1.6-1.7m, but the shorter periods and persistent onshore winds make for less quality. The dominant swell directions are from the E and ESE, which are also the same directions that bring onshore winds when the wind is from those quadrants. Surfers will find the smallest, messiest waves during these months, though early morning offshore flows can occasionally produce fun sessions.
Detailed Surf Information for Ansteys
Detailed Surf Forecast
Access our detailed 8-day swell and wind forecast charts for Ansteys with tidal graphs, period ranges, and daily forecast text summaries.
Swell & Wind Statistics
Explore historical swell consistency, wave heights, and offshore wind windows month-by-month, compiled from over 40 years of data.
Historical Surf Report
Browse the historical database archives to view past wave reports and understand spot climatology during specific years and months.
