Cave Rock
Cave Rock is Durban's heaviest wave—a powerful right-hander that breaks in two distinct sections: The Pool and The Rock. When solid Indian Ocean swells hit this stretch of coast, Cave Rock produces thick, hollow barrels that rival anything in South Africa. The wave has a dedicated local crew and a history of heavy sessions. Named for the famous rock formation and sea cave that marks the takeoff zone, this is Durban surfing at its most intense.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (202°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 225°
- Size range
- 1.8m - 3.7m
- Ideal size
- 3.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (292°)
- Offshore range
- 247° - 337°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Shore/paddle
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Cave Rock?
Cave Rock handles all stages of the tide, so time your session around the wind instead. The live chart above shows the next few days.
What wind direction is offshore at Cave Rock?
Offshore wind at Cave Rock blows from the WNW (292°). Anything in the 247° to 337° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Cave Rock?
Cave Rock wants SSW swell (180° to 225°) between 1.8m and 3.7m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Cave Rock?
The main season at Cave Rock is Apr-Sep. A secondary window runs Mar, Oct. ~21% June clean (30-50 days/yr)
How do I get to Cave Rock?
Fly into DUR, then allow about 20 minutes by road. Shore/paddle
What kind of wave is Cave Rock?
Cave Rock is a reef break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Sep
Secondary: Mar, Oct
~21% June clean (30-50 days/yr)