Overview

Ducks is a spot located on the southern tip of Cape St Francis. The name refers to rock formations that resemble ducks. This is a wave spot on reef/sand with a coast very exposed to south and southwest swells. The position at the cape tip offers maximum exposure to the elements. Spot for advanced riders in a spectacular setting with views of the Cape St Francis lighthouse.

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Spot forecast for Ducks

Sunrise 05:32 · Sunset 18:38

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< 7 kn7–12 kn13–20 kn21–30 kn31–40 kn41+ kn Gusts Your minimum: 7 kn

Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo

Swell and waves

Swell and tides over 8 days. Premium members see the swell and tides over 8 days. Without a subscription: 5 days.

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Wave height: < 0.5 m 0.5–1 m 1–2 m 2–3 m ≥ 3 m

Swell data by Open-Meteo Marine

Tides

Heights above lowest astronomical tide, in the spot's local time. Computed 1.8 km from the spot.

Tuesday 20 October Low tide 05:29 · 0.8 m High tide 12:11 · 1.2 m Low tide 18:34 · 0.8 m
Wednesday 21 October High tide 00:24 · 1.2 m Low tide 06:29 · 0.7 m High tide 12:54 · 1.4 m Low tide 19:12 · 0.6 m
Thursday 22 October High tide 01:09 · 1.3 m Low tide 07:07 · 0.5 m High tide 13:27 · 1.5 m Low tide 19:42 · 0.5 m
Friday 23 October High tide 01:43 · 1.4 m Low tide 07:39 · 0.4 m High tide 13:56 · 1.7 m Low tide 20:12 · 0.3 m
Saturday 24 October High tide 02:15 · 1.6 m Low tide 08:10 · 0.3 m High tide 14:25 · 1.8 m Low tide 20:42 · 0.2 m

Ducks: when to go?

Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)

Season · peak

225h

in December · 25 rideable days

The season runs from August to March, peaking in December: 22 rideable days a month and 225 hours of usable wind, at 22 °C. The low point is June, at 11 days.

Rideable days per month

Wind strength when it is rideable

7-12 knots · 68%13-20 knots · 30%21-30 knots · 2%

When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 68% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is July, at 18 °C. The wettest month is June, with 73 mm.

Monthly averages: Ducks

Monthly averages — Ducks — averaged over 2 years of records — Weather data by Open-Meteo.com — How it is calculated
Month	Rideable days	Usable wind	Temperature	Rain
January	23.0	217 h	24 °C	49 mm
February	19.5	181 h	24 °C	19 mm
March	22.0	145 h	24 °C	47 mm
April	16.5	100 h	22 °C	60 mm
May	15.0	76 h	22 °C	15 mm
June	11.0	45 h	19 °C	73 mm
July	12.0	50 h	18 °C	39 mm
August	20.5	103 h	19 °C	17 mm
September	22.5	140 h	19 °C	34 mm
October	23.0	181 h	21 °C	73 mm
November	24.0	218 h	22 °C	46 mm
December	25.0	225 h	24 °C	22 mm

Photo gallery of Ducks

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Technical details of Ducks spot

The spot works with winds from ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, WSW.

Rideable Not rideable

Spot functioning

The spot works with SE to WSW wind and SW swell. The cape tip receives swells from all southern directions. Powerful waves on mixed reef/sand bottom. Conditions often very committing. Mainly rideable at high tide to avoid shallow reef. Spot for committing sessions in an exceptional setting.

Spot opening date · Required level

Spot opening date: Open all year round
Required level: Advanced

On the water

Waves of 1.5-3 metres, sometimes more during large swells. Mixed reef and sand bottom. Strong currents around the cape point. Strong chop in sustained wind. Water temperature between 18-22°C. 3/2 wetsuit in summer, 4/3 in winter.

Parking

Access from Cape St Francis village, towards the lighthouse. Parking near the lighthouse or on residential streets. Walk to access the spot. Facilities in the village.

Wind specificities

Most exposed position on Cape St Francis. SE wind arrives side-onshore, strengthened by the cape effect. WSW is onshore and can be very strong. Strength of 18-30 knots in summer. Gusts are frequent due to cape topography. The spot is often windier than sheltered bay spots.

Hazards

Very exposed coast — main danger. Rocky reef in some sections. Strong currents around the cape. Powerful waves. Sharks present. Violent gusts possible. Reserved for autonomous advanced riders. Never ride alone. Carry a communication device.

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Nearby spots

All spots: Cap oriental

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Ducks kitesurf, wingfoil and surf spot