Coordinates -34.145525 18.316168

Drainpipes is a surf spot located in Cape Town, South Africa. The spot sits near Noordhoek Beach and is reached by a 25 to 30-minute walk along the sand, which helps keep the area less crowded. The bottom is coral reef, and there are rocks and a lot of kelp in the water. The spot is known for being super shallow and hollow most of the time, with waves that are powerful and short, usually less than 50 meters in length. The spot provides both left and right waves. Drainpipes is best surfed on medium to large swells, with the best conditions during the summer months. The ideal swell direction is from the southwest to south, and the best wind comes from the east to northeast. The spot works best at medium and high tide, especially on a rising tide. The wave is very consistent, and the area is often empty, but you may find bodyboarders in the lineup. Localism can be an issue, so it’s important to respect the locals, especially when the spot is crowded. Always check the surf etiquette and be aware of the rules in the water. Hazards include rip currents, undertow, and shark activity, so caution is needed. The spot is considered a regional classic and is recommended for intermediate surfers. Check your skills before paddling out, be sure that the spot and conditions match your level. Nearby surf spots include Outer Kom, Inner Kom, K 364, K 365, and Pebbles Shorey. For the latest surf forecast, surf report, surf map, and surf webcam updates, check reliable sources before heading out. There is no information available about alternative names, main peaks, history, or famous surfers at this spot. Check out the good surf at Drainpipes in the next 7 days, the webcams, the full forecast report, or see the spot on the surf map.

Best tide at Drainpipes

Medium, High (best tide movement: Rising tide)

Check the full tide table

Tides have a significant impact on wave quality at certain surf spots like Drainpipes, causing conditions to vary throughout the tidal cycle. As the tide moves between high and low, the water depth over the seabed changes, affecting how the waves break. At these spots, high tide usually produce softer, slower waves, while low tide can generate faster, steeper waves. Some spots have specific tide stages when they work best, offering optimal conditions only at certain times of the day.

Near spots

There are 99 surf spots within a range of 100 km from Drainpipes. Use this section to find alternative spots that may be less crowded, better suited for your surfing skills, or offer a better forecast report for the next 7 days. Each spot includes detailed surf reports, forecast updates, and webcam views to help you plan. Whether you're seeking less crowded alternatives or simply exploring a region, the list of nearby surf spots is an essential tool.

See all 99 surf spots