The bays and rocky outcrops along the North Coast offer surfers a huge variety of waves, ranging from tame shore breaks to hollow beachies and even a few heavy reef breaks. Ballito also offers fast and furious waves with deep tube sections that break on a shallow sand bank just beyond the rocks. The winter months, April to July, provide the best surfing waves, especially when the early morning land breeze blows directly off-shore.
Most of the beaches are protected by shark nets, although many surfers do surf in unprotected waters which are considered to be pretty safe. It is, however, advisable not to surf in murky water conditions or near river mouths.
Water temperatures are mild to warm all year round, so the most you’ll need is a Spring Suit.
Secret Surf Spot
A warm welcome awaits you from the hosts at this secret little piece of African paradise, hidden between indigenous trees above Shaka's Rock Beach.
The Dolphin Coast, which includes Ballito, Shaka's Rock and Salt Rock, is affectionately referred to as "Natures Playground". This part of the Indian Ocean is home to the bottlenose dolphin, whales, beautiful beaches and warm crystal clear waters all year round that enjoy a variety of different surf breaks, some of which offer world class “barrels”. Surfers normally refer to a Secret Spot, as their secret surf break, which they normally keep relatively private, reserved for close fiends and acquaintances. This culture and the influence surfing has on many individual lifestyles, historically has been very aspiring to man and woman. The influence extends to a wide age group of individuals, and is not simply reserved for the young, but rather the young at heart. This is part of the deeper philosophy of The Secret Spot Surf Camp.
The travelling surfer or simply the tourist who wishes to enjoy this experience is welcomed to Africa, more specifically to South Africa, and to this Secret Spot on the Dolphin Coast.
Check out all the activities our surf camp has to offer, as well as the accommodation and the list of activities at this Secret Spot in Africa. And just remember…don’t tell anyone!
It is important to note that fishing licenses may be obtained from the Ballito Post Office. If, however, you wish to catch mussels, oysters or crayfish, then a license needs to be obtained from the Nature Conservation Offices at 25 Stella Rd, Umbilo, Durban. Their contact number is (031) 205 5278.
The fish size and bag limits that have been introduced allow anglers to catch a variety of fish while ensuring that the fish species are not depleted. Sanctuary areas have been set aside marine reserves to act as a “nursery” from which marine life can disperse and stock up other areas.
Shad, slinger and snapper kob are frequently caught by anglers, especially paddle-ski and light tackle enthusiasts. Squaretail kob is found primarily from Salt Rock to Richards Bay, and the Dusky Kob is the premier inshore angling species. The Dusky Kob is, in fact, one of the largest members of the Kob family. Geelbek is also an important line fishing species, while Red Steenbras are generally found in deeper waters. Spotted Grunter is a fine table fish caught by surf fishermen and spear fishermen. King Mackerel is targeted by ski boat, spear, rock and surf anglers.
Crayfish may not be caught from 1 November to the last day of February in the following year. Shad may not be kept if caught between 1 October and 30 November. Galjoen may not be kept if caught between 15 October and 22 November. Selling or offering to sell fish without a Department of Sea Fisheries Permit is illegal.
Fish life is both abundant and varied. Even the young can view small fish in the rock pools along the Ballito coastline.
Dolphin Coast Striders
The Dolphin Coast Striders running club arranges a time trial every Wednesday, starting from the clubhouse at 17:30. The distance is either:
1.6 km walk or run
4.0 km walk or run
8.0 km walk or run
Times are captured and published in the North Coast Courier on a weekly basis. BMW Umhlali sponsors a lucky draw during the last time trial every month, which is then followed by a “bring & braai”, or “soup & sherry”, etc.
Disclaimer: Whilst reasonable care is taken to ensure that the information contained on this web site is accurate, we cannot guarantee its accuracy and will in no way be held responsible for any liability or consequences arising from the use of information supplied on this web site.
