BBB Travel: Surfing South Africa With Stoked School of Surf

Cape Town is an adventurer's dream- its gorgeous terrain and infallible weather lend to the most picturesque vistas that serve as the back drop of some amazing activities. My friends were of the daredevil variety so most of my trip consisted of climbing mountains, surfing, and jumping off very high places. 

Surfing: 

My #1 recommendation of things to do in Cape Town is to book a surf lesson with Stoked School of Surf.  

Stoked is a mobile surf school and surf tour operator owned by local Michelle Davy. She and sister, Sarah-Jayne, provide top-notch equipment and quality instruction that enables all levels to enjoy a successful day of surfing. 

Sarah-Jayne leads our group in Lesson #1 at Big Bay. Table Mountain is in the background.
Photo c/o Stoked's Facebook Page

Lessons with Stoked are meticulously informative and thorough. The first 20 minutes of your lesson comprises of a break down on the mechanics of surfing, emphasizing balance, control, and form. The instructors then join you in the water for  hands-on instruction, tips, and to take pictures of you ripping it up. I grew up surfing and still learned things in one lesson that I never gleaned in a lifetime of surfing.

Me, riding the "foamies" after a 5 yr surf hiatus.
c/o Stoked

Lessons start at R280 (approx. $35US) for a 2 hour lesson if you have your own transportation (there is also an option for the girls to pick you up). You will not get a better deal anywhere else in the world for this level of instruction and the quality of their boards and wetsuits.

My friends and I booked three lessons throughout our trip, which I highly recommend. Stoked has plenty of equipment and was able to accomodate our group of 11 people plus a few more! Book your first lessons for the morning, when the surf is the cleanest. Windy conditions make surf choppy and rough. After you've got a few AM sessions under your belt, be sure to book at least one sunset surf in your subsequent lessons. There is nothing more peaceful and inspiring to catch a wave as the sun sets on this amazing city!

The boys heading back out for one last wave on our last lesson in Big Bay.
c/o Stoked

I've had girlfriends in the past say that they'd never try surfing because it's too hard or that they're not strong enough. I will tell you that women (and smaller people in general) are at an advantage in a sport like surfing. You have a lower center of gravity, float easily, and usually have better balance. Michelle and Sarah-Jayne WILL get you on your first wave-I promise!

Excited yet? This was just a warm-up! Stop by tomorrow where I'll be highlighting our death-defying feats of skydiving, shark cage diving, and abseiling off Table Mountain!