Catanas Point
Catanas Point is a heavy reef break north of Luanda that produces thick, hollow barrels when SW swells arrive during the austral winter. The wave breaks over a shallow reef, demanding respect and experience. When it's on, it's one of the best waves in Angola—powerful, hollow, and virtually uncrowded.
Catanas Point surf forecast
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 260°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.2m - 2.9m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 60° - 130°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.5m
Water temp
24°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Heavy reef break north of Ponta Preta. Expert only, thick barrels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Catanas Point?
Catanas Point is a reef break in Luanda, Angola, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Catanas Point?
Catanas Point picks up swell from the SSW round to the W, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. It starts working at around 1.2m and handles up to about 3.5m, with the sweet spot around 2.2 to 2.9m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Catanas Point?
An E wind is dead offshore at Catanas Point, and anything from the ENE round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Catanas Point?
Catanas Point is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.3m to 1.5m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Catanas Point?
The most reliable run of swell at Catanas Point comes Apr to Sep. There's a second window in Mar and Oct too. SW swell season. Heavy reef break north of Ponta Preta.
How cold is the water at Catanas Point?
The water at Catanas Point averages around 24°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Catanas Point good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 8/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 2/10). Heavy reef break. Expert only, thick barrels.
How do I get to Catanas Point?
The nearest airport on our list is LAD, then it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive. Heavy reef break north of Ponta Preta. Expert only, thick barrels.
What other surf spots are near Catanas Point?
The closest breaks we track are Quicombo (2.6 km) and Sumbe (36 km), handy when Catanas Point isn't working. We track 5 spots around Luanda in total.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Mar, Oct
SW swell season. Heavy reef break north of Ponta Preta.