J-Bay's best: Surf Lodge South Africa

21 Jul 2016

Jeffreys Bay is synonymous with surfing. The multitude of beaches and point breaks surrounding this small coastal town, plus the fact that it boasts one of the best right hand point breaks in the world, attracts surfers of all skill levels. However, the highest of all skill levels descend on this town once a year in July for the J-Bay Open; an annual international surfing competition.

The competition has just taken place with Aussie Mick-battled-a-shark-Fanning taking the crown. I headed down to J-Bay for the final and was lucky enough to lay my head at Surf Lodge South Africa.

The lodge is quintessentially surf-like, with wooden rustic interiors, decks, pool and Jacuzzi, however, it doesn’t skimp on luxury and has a range of accommodation options from full en suites to shared dormitories. A stay also includes a daily surf lesson and a cooked breakfast.

Homely welcomes

The lodge is currently co-managed by Carel, and between him and his girlfriend Amy they really made us feel at home. They braaied and made dinner for us soon after our arrival late Friday afternoon as well as cooked us a delicious fry-up breakfast the following morning, even after the usual 7am time, as we fancied a little bit of a lie-in. They also gave us a lift into town and were just all round friendly, knowledgeable and super accommodating.

Surf Lodge not only feels homely, because of the people, but also perhaps because it once was a family home. Last year February it was converted into the Surf Lodge with Tobias Shroeder owning and managing it.

A wave for all

Surflodge overlooks a beautiful and quiet beach, good for long walks and swimming, however, it doesn’t offer much in the way of surfing, so lessons for beginners take place at Jeffery’s Bay main beach while the intermediate to advanced can try their hands at "Super tubes", 'Bone Yards" or "Point. The lodge supplies an instructor, boards and wetsuits and obviously lifts there and back, so if you’re a budding surf enthusiast this form of accommodation can’t be beaten. Plus, the option of soaking cold bones in the lodge’s Jacuzzi afterwards, alone makes this the best accommodation option in the area in my opinion.

The relaxed and communal vibe is perfect for families and solo travellers, so if planning a little surf safari to J-Bay make Surf Lodge South Africa a definite stop.

For more info or to make a booking go to surflodgesouthafrica.co.za