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Cape St Francis kitesurf, wingfoil and windsurf spot
South Africa · Eastern Cape
Overview
Cape St Francis is a historic South African surf spot, made famous by the film "The Endless Summer" in the 1960s. The village is situated at the tip of an exposed cape, with world-class waves during southwest swells. For kiting, the area offers several rideable sections with a mix of reef and sandy beach. The Cape St Francis lighthouse is an iconic landmark. This is an advanced spot due to cape exposure and often committing conditions.
Spot forecast for Cape St Francis
Sunrise 05:32 · Sunset 18:38
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Tides
Heights above lowest astronomical tide, in the spot's local time. Computed 2.6 km from the spot.
- Tuesday 20 October Low tide · 0.8 m High tide · 1.2 m Low tide · 0.8 m
- Wednesday 21 October High tide · 1.2 m Low tide · 0.7 m High tide · 1.4 m Low tide · 0.6 m
- Thursday 22 October High tide · 1.3 m Low tide · 0.5 m High tide · 1.5 m Low tide · 0.5 m
- Friday 23 October High tide · 1.4 m Low tide · 0.4 m High tide · 1.7 m Low tide · 0.3 m
- Saturday 24 October High tide · 1.6 m Low tide · 0.3 m High tide · 1.8 m Low tide · 0.2 m
Cape St Francis: when to go?
Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)
343h
in December · 30.5 rideable days
The season runs from September to March, peaking in December: 29 rideable days a month and 343 hours of usable wind, at 23 °C. The low point is June, at 12.5 days.
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 64% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is July, at 18 °C. The wettest month is June, with 73 mm.
Monthly averages: Cape St Francis
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30.5 | 354 h | 24 °C | 49 mm |
| February | 27.5 | 311 h | 24 °C | 19 mm |
| March | 29.0 | 256 h | 24 °C | 47 mm |
| April | 23.5 | 203 h | 22 °C | 60 mm |
| May | 20.0 | 104 h | 22 °C | 15 mm |
| June | 12.5 | 64 h | 19 °C | 73 mm |
| July | 15.5 | 70 h | 18 °C | 39 mm |
| August | 23.5 | 137 h | 19 °C | 17 mm |
| September | 27.0 | 213 h | 19 °C | 34 mm |
| October | 30.0 | 307 h | 21 °C | 73 mm |
| November | 29.5 | 318 h | 22 °C | 46 mm |
| December | 30.5 | 343 h | 24 °C | 22 mm |
Photo gallery of Cape St Francis
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
Technical details of Cape St Francis spot
The spot works with winds from ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, WSW.
Spot functioning
The spot works with a wide range of winds (ENE to WSW) thanks to cape exposure. Waves are quality during SW swell. Several rideable sections around the cape depending on wind direction. High tide recommended to avoid reef. The spot is windy and exposed — check conditions before riding. Local riders know the best sections for each condition.
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
- Required level
- Advanced
On the water
Waves of 1-3 metres depending on swell and section. Mixed reef and sand bottom. Strong currents around the cape. Variable chop depending on wind. Water temperature between 18-22°C. 3/2 wetsuit in summer, 4/3 in winter.
Parking
Parking in Cape St Francis village. Several coast access points from residential streets. Parking at the lighthouse with panoramic views. Some shops and restaurants in the village. St Francis Bay with more services 5 minutes away.
Wind specificities
The cape is exposed to winds from all southern and eastern directions. SE blows side-onshore, ENE and E blow side-offshore on the cape's west face. WSW is onshore. The cape position creates accelerations and convergence effects. Strength of 15-28 knots in summer. The cape offers unique wind exposure, working with a wide range of directions.
Hazards
Cape very exposed to the elements. Rocky reef in many sections. Strong and changing currents around the cape. Powerful waves. Sharks present. Gusts possible due to topography. Potential conflict with surfers on historic spots. Reserved for advanced riders. Check locally for kite-suitable sections.
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