Muizenberg beach

This blue flag beach has the title of ‘The birthplace of surfing South Africa”. Surfing has been enjoyed there since at least 1910 when a visiting Australian demonstrated to locals how to ride the waves. Muizenberg is the centre of the South African surf scene, with breaks large enough to keep experts happy yet small enough for safe swimming and beginner surf lessons. There is an area demarcated specifically for surfers.

Surfers in Muizenberg circa 1919

Here the waves are usually tame and due to the long, flat beach, conditions are great for learning and leisure as the surf rolls in calmly and consistently. Paddling out is also easy.

The beach begins just below the Muizenberg train station. A little further on you will find the pavilion, the water slides, and the pool. Muizenberg is on the False Bay coast so it is fairly sheltered from the notorious Cape stormy weather. This stretch of sand continues for 20 kilometres. The beach is flat and wide and it is a great traditional “beach holiday” venue complete with colourful “Victorian style” bathing huts.  Dogs are allowed on the beach as long as they are on a leash. From December to March dogs are not allowed between 10 am and 6 pm. There are shark spotters on duty and an alarm will sound if sharks are seen. There is loads of parking and several restaurants close by.

Vintage pictures from Saartjie Klipkop

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