Humewood

Humewood is a well-known surf spot in South East Port Elizabeth, South Africa, on the Indian Ocean coast. It’s an accessible urban beach break with long sandy-bottom waves that can work well on the right swell and wind conditions.

Surf character

• Type: Beach break
• Wave quality: Can be fun and punchy, especially on a solid groundswell
• Best conditions: Typically likes south to south-east swells and light offshore or calm winds
• Bottom: Sandy, so the peaks can shift with sand movement
• Crowd factor: Can get busy because it’s a popular city beach and easy to reach

What it’s like

Humewood often offers fast, rippable waves with sections that can handle turns and the occasional longer ride when the banks line up. Because it’s a beach break, conditions can vary a lot from day to day. Some days it’s clean and organized; other days it can be sectiony or close out, especially when the swell is too big or the wind is onshore.

Best for

• Intermediate to advanced surfers when it’s firing
• Beginners on smaller, mellow days if the surf is manageable
• Bodyboarders also enjoy it when the waves have some push

Local notes

• The area is part of Port Elizabeth’s coastline, so it’s easy to access from the city
• As with many South African surf spots, it’s worth checking wind, swell direction, tide, and sandbanks before paddling out
• Be mindful of currents and changing conditions