Cape Town, set against the iconic backdrop of Table Mountain and enveloped by two majestic oceans, has long been celebrated as a surfing paradise. Its coastline is dotted with a variety of breaks—some gentle and beginner-friendly, others thrilling and formidable—that draw surfers from around the globe.

Beyond the waves themselves, Cape Town boasts a laid-back yet vibrant surf culture, where local surfers and visiting enthusiasts bond over their shared passion for the sport. Strolling down popular surf spots like Muizenberg or Llandudno, you’ll feel the excitement in the salty air and witness a tight-knit community united by a love of the ocean and the pursuit of the perfect wave.

We recently booked a surf lesson with Stoked Surf in Cape Town, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. Here’s a rundown of our day—complete with tips, personal highlights, and what you can expect if you decide to give surfing a try in the Mother City.

£139 per group
Pick up and drop off from Camp’s Bay (note: they have multiple pick-up points in central Cape Town)
45-minute drive each way
90-minute lesson (from wetsuits on to wetsuits off)
4:3mm Wetsuit, surfboard and hooded changing robe included in the lesson
Pictures included
Group lessons are also available from R1200 (£52) including transport
Remember sunscreen and water to rehydrate in the car
This experience was mainly geared towards beginners, but Stoked Surf also offer more advanced lessons and guides

Booking link

*Disclaimer: This surf lesson was given to us for free in exchange for this blog post. However, Stoked Surf has no say in what we write in our blog posts.

Getting Picked Up in Camps Bay

The day started when our instructor, Henry, picked us up from Camps Bay. Henry was friendly and knowledgeable, sharing stories about the city and what to expect from our upcoming lesson.

Our pickup was scheduled for 1 pm, so we went to Kauai for a healthy lunch before the lesson.

The Drive to Muizenberg

There are a few beaches around Cape Town where you can surf. Your instructor will check the forecast and your ability before recommending the perfect spot.

We headed to Muizenberg Beach, which took about 45 minutes each way. Along the route, Henry gave us a mini tour, pointing out local landmarks and talked about the different neighbourhoods.

Arriving and Changing by the Promenade

Once we got to the beach, we parked and changed into our wetsuits. Henry knew a local car guard who kept an eye on the vehicle; we had to leave a few belongings in it but we would still recommend leaving valuables at home whenever possible. Cape Town is generally safe, but it’s better to err on the side of caution, travel light—especially around busy beaches.

Warm-Up & On-Land Instruction

After getting ready, we kicked things off with a quick warm-up on the sand—a short jog and some stretches to get the blood moving. We’ve taken surf lessons in Bali, San Sebastián, and Mexico, but this was the first time an instructor had us warm up beforehand. We really appreciated it—just like any sport, it’s a smart way to prevent injury.

Henry then walked us through the basics:

Pop-Up Technique: He demonstrated how to stand up on the board from a lying position.
Paddling: Proper paddling form helps you catch waves more easily.
Safety Tips: From keeping your board in control to spotting other surfers, safety is key.

We practised the pop-up a few times on land. These practice reps really help once you’re in the water!

Hitting the Waves: Why Muizenberg is Ideal

Muizenberg Beach is known for steady, shallow, and long-rolling waves—perfect for beginners. One of the best parts is you can walk out quite far and still stand. This means you won’t exhaust yourself constantly paddling, making it easier to focus on your form and balance.

We hadn’t surfed for a long time (our last time was in San Sebastian last year), so it took us some time to get the hang of it again. After a few falls, Alice and I both started to get the hang of it and managed to catch a few long waves.

Cape Town water is very cold, but Muizenberg wasn’t as chilly as the beaches in Camps Bay/ Sea Point. The wetsuits were thick enough that the water temperature wasn’t an issue.

Wrapping Up & Rinsing Off

Before we knew it, 90 minutes had flown by. The lesson was fantastic—plenty of time to get a taste of surfing without wearing ourselves out completely. We rinsed off at the public beach shower, which is super handy for washing away the salt and sand, before heading back to the car.

Heading Home & Final Thoughts

Henry drove us back to Camps Bay (another 45 minutes), giving us more fun facts about the city and some tips on other must-try local experiences. The door-to-door service was a big plus, especially after an energy-packed session in the water. We liked that it gave us a chance to chat with our instructor before hitting the waves. Plus, if you’re new to Cape Town, it’s the perfect opportunity to connect with a local and ask any questions about this incredible part of the world—especially useful if you don’t have a car to get around!

Quick Tips for Surfing in Cape Town

Leave valuables at home: Even with a car guard, it’s better to travel light.
Bring sunscreen: Cape Town’s sun can be intense, even on cloudy days so make sure you have waterproof sunscreen for your face and neck.
Wear comfortable swimwear under your wetsuit.
Stay hydrated: Surfing is a workout so have some water ready for yourself to rehydrate and even a snack for the drive home.
Drive yourself: We opted for the pickup option to get the full Stoked experience, but If you drive yourself to the beach (or get an Uber), you can stick around after your lesson, relax with a drink at ‘Surfer’s Corner’, or even rent a board to keep practising—if you’ve got the energy!

If our adventure has you itching to try surfing in the stunning waters of Cape Town, we highly recommend Stoked Surf. They offer the perfect balance of professionalism and fun.

For anyone looking to book a surf lesson the easy way, check out our affiliate link through Viator. It’s a reliable platform for booking tours and activities, and you’ll be able to secure your spot in advance:

Book Your Surf Lesson Through Viator Here

(By using this link, we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you decide to book, which helps us continue sharing travel tips and adventures in the future!)

Final Word

Cape Town is a beautiful city filled with incredible beaches, vibrant culture, and endless adventure. We loved surfing in Muizenberg with Stoked Surf. Whether you’re a total beginner like us or someone looking to fine-tune your skills, you’ll be in great hands.

Have you tried surfing in Cape Town or elsewhere? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

Surfing in Cape Town: Beginner Lessons in Muizenberg