Unlike Gary, this jumper will pull his chute...Pic: Flickr/pictcorrect

And how did he do it? Well, in true stuntman style – and with a little bit of humour – he lined up 18,000 cardboard boxes in a field in the UK and crashed straight into them.

There’s already lots of video flying around the internet; we’ve picked the best two we can find and dropped them into this post. Have a look. But please don’t try this at home, on skydiving holidays – or anywhere for that matter. There’s a reason why this has never been done before…

Related posts:

1. Skydiving: Will you pack your own chute?
2. Skydiving in London
3. Skydiving, parachuting, freefall: what’s the difference?

Always protect your head. Image: Flickr/ Alex Ristea

With the gnarliest free-riders and most dedicated park-jibbers leading the way, skiers tend to appreciate, more than most, that if your head comes into contact with ice, rock or another person, it hurts!

From simple and functional designs, to stylish patterns, faux-fur linings and in-built sound systems, the choice and range of helmets on the market is ever evolving. But whether it’s purely practical, or to fulfil a fashion statement, when buying a new helmet, it’s important to make sure it’s up to the job. Here’s how!

Size

Helmet size is usually measured in centimetres and refers to the circumference of your head. To find out your size, wrap a tape measure around your head, just above your ears.

Fit

A helmet should feel snug but not uncomfortably tight. Ideally, it should sit just above your eyebrows, one that rises up any higher will probably be too small and if slides down towards your eyes, it’s too big.

Check that there are no gaps that might cause the helmet to bang or rub and make sure that the chinstrap stays in place, without restricting your ability to move your jaw. If you think you’ve found a good fit, have a go at shaking your head about a bit to check that it doesn’t shift about and that the ear pads stay over your ears.

K2 Rant ski helmet with a low-profile brim that keeps unwanted snow off of your goggles.

Goggles

Always take goggles on skiing holidays and most definitely take them with you when trying on a helmet to make sure that you don’t have to waste your money on a new pair. For a good fit, there should be a neat seal between your goggles and helmet at the front you shouldn’t be able to see any skin here.

Worn over the top of your helmet, your goggles should sit comfortably on your face, the strap needs to have plenty of adjustment in it and you should be able to rest your goggles on the front of your helmet when you’re not wearing them.

Safety standards

Ski helmets work by allowing the hard outer shell to protect your head from knocks and scrapes, whilst the inner foam-liner absorbs the impact. All ski helmets should have been tested and certified for aspects such as their strength, ability to absorb impact and performance under different temperatures.

All reputable companies who offer equipment hire as part of their skiing holidays will have kitemarked or regulation safety standard equipment.

Check that the helmet you’re buying carries a certification such as CE (Central European), ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) or Snell RS-98 (Snell Memorial Foundation).

For more skiing guides and blogs:, check out: The 10 best ski holidays in Italy / The best ski boots of 2012 / Best Ski Touring Skis: A buyer’s guide /10 Reasons to Ski in Japan this Winter / Training for ski fitness – expert tips from Olympic physio

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3. Rafting trips: How to pick the best rafting company

Kiteboarding magazines: keeping you stoked . Image: Flickr/ quadrocopter

He mentioned that keyboards are slowly becoming obsolete. What! That was a crazy thought. But it got me thinking thought more about the transition to all things digital and electronic, and why we still love reading off-line.

If you still enjoy getting your info without a ‘reader’, smartphone or laptop, here’s three top kiteboarding magazines previewed so you can check out what you get for your paper.

SBC Kiteboard Magazine

My personal favourite – and not only because they’re based in my homeland of Canada!

SBC Kiteboard is the No. 1 source of kiteboarding information.

SBC currently releases quarterly paper magazines. However, they’re heavily invested in their online presence.

They have a sick website with every sort of media that one could fathom.

And add a few of the most unique kiteboarding videos from around the world on a daily basis. They also do extensive and professional gear testing, which is reported in full detail online.

If you’re an avid kiter, this website should be on your favourites. They’re on top of social media and their Facebook is active and linked with their video uploads. Hardly a day passes that I’m not checking out online media on SBC Kiteboard Magazine.

IKSURFMAG, is a free international online kitesurfing magazine.

Stance Kiteboarding Attitude

This trendy kiteboarding publication is based in Europe. With each paper magazine release, comes a slick DVD. The graphics and quality control of this company is top level and very impressive.

They also have a great online presence that is similar to that of SBC. Their focus is slightly more European, whereas SBC is slightly more biased towards North American riders and events.

IKSURFMAG

A free online kiteboarding magazine released bi-monthly. You can download the online magazine or browse it online using their sleek presentation. Check it out – pretty quality.

Kitegirl Magazine

Another one of my personal favourites, but for different reasons. This newer publication releases bi-monthly paper issues and also has a great online setup. This is an awesome initiative for a much needed demographic.

KiteGirl Magazine, a magazine devoted to girls who kite.

Most other publications are heavily male-laden and testosterone saturated. I have a special place for female kiteboarders, since I learned from one myself. With recent advances in gear and safety features, kiteboarding has become even more accessible to a broader range of people.

I teach a lot of lessons and women usually make better students. They tend to listen better and are more prone to finesse, rather than power.

Most kiteboarding magazines are maintaining paper issues, but there is no doubt that electronic and digital trends are on the rise. In the years to come, I would be surprised to see many remaining paper copies of magazines.

It is simply more cost effective to run an online magazine, as opposed to a traditional paper issue. You may already have a personal favourite kiteboarding magazine.

Check out a few of the aforementioned choices and try something new. Staying current with publications is one of the easiest ways to keep your stoke at a maximum.

For more kiteboarding holidays guides and blogs, check out: HD cameras for kitesurfing reviewed / Buying kitesurfing equipment: Best Twin Tip boards 2012 /5 pro kitesurfing tips to get you started / Kiteboarding: Top 10 Destinations in the United States

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3. Kiteboarding set for King’s Cup

Windguru Mobile, support for Winduguru Pro accounts and all forecast models: GFS, NAM, HRW, WRF, and NWW3.

Let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than lugging around huge bags, inconvenienced with each and every move. For my own world tour travels this year, I’m already looking at ways to leave my laptop at home…

It’s possible to get a mobile app for almost anything one could fathom. On your next sailing holidays, consider these apps to help smooth out your seas.

Windguru Mobile – free

This is by far my favourite app when sailing. Windguru is a worldwide wind-forecasting site. This easy to use app breaks spot down into geographic regions. They offer a free 7-day forecast that includes pertinent sailing information such as wind velocity, wind direction, tidal information, swell size and period and local weather.

AyeTides displays tides and currents for nearly 10,000 stations worldwide.

Sometimes, this is the only weather forecast site that I need. Keep in mind that certain areas may have more accurate data, than others.

For example, the summer thermal wind in Los Angeles does not register on Windguru. So, local knowledge is always advantageous.

Do not leave on your next sailing holiday without downloading Windguru Mobile on your handheld device.

Google Earth and Google Ocean – free

This app hardly needs an introduction. Most people don’t give directions anymore; they just provide an address, knowing that one can easily find directions to almost anywhere on Google Earth.

This mapping app is comprehensive and shows attractions above and below the water. You can save space on paper maps by having this app. However, technology can fail so please don’t be irresponsible by making this your only navigational device. Look for this app to continue its rapid improvement.

Aye Tides – £6 / $10

I’m from a small town near the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia, Canada. Our typical tides run between 22 and 26 feet. Here, it’s critical to know the tides well. This is an extreme example but nonetheless, you can have access to tidal information to anywhere in the world for £6 / $10 with this app.

A controller for use with Boat Warden (tm) boat monitoring and security system.

Boat Warden – free

This handy app allows you to keep your eye on your boat’s vitals from a remote location. Functions include alarm engagement, lights, anchor adjustment and pump activity. This app also has a GPS function so that you can track your boat’s location. I’m sure glad that my captain from last winter didn’t have this app installed on his tender dinghy. We may or may not have veered off-course a few times.

Boating Suite – Log Book and Expense Log – £4 / $7

A wise man once said that there is always something to do aboard a boat. Gone are the days of sticky notes, to-do-lists, logbooks, shopping lists and fuel logs. Clean up the clutter with this handy app. A captain can log data and any other lists that amass themselves during long ocean journeys. I like this one.

Flashlight – free

A brilliant little app. Leave the bulky flashlight at home. You can even change the colour of the light emitted from your handheld device. A must have on sailing holidays. I guarantee you will be thanking this app on numerous occasions.

What Knot To Do – free

Honestly, can anyone ever remember all of his or her knots? Unless you live on a boat full-time, chances are that you’ve forgotten a few things. Knots can be one of the first pieces of information to elude the weekend warrior sailor.

Toss the heavy, bulky books and pick up this amazing app that features step-by-step instructions for any knot that one could ever need. The directory of knots is broken down into categories of function such as loops, stoppers, hitches and bends. There is also a great picture instruction that ensures ease of use.

What Knot to Do is your pocket guide to 70 must know knots in six categories.

Wi-Fi Finder – free

Have you ever travelled and used your smart phone device to acquire data while outside of your service area? How upset were you with the massive bill that arrived in the mail at the end of the month?

I’ve heard horror stories of data bills around the $1000 mark. Sometimes, a phone company will settle or erase the charges, but you can’t count on that. This handy app will display a map and pinpoint the location of wireless networks that are in your immediate area. There are over half a million spots listed in about 144 countries.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve use this app and sat in a corner somewhere stealing Internet from a coffee shop. On your next sailing holidays, this is a necessity.

Urbanspoon – free

It’s inevitable that all sailors must eat multiple times per day. How many times have you been on your sailing holidays and got fed up with galley cooking somewhere and wondered where good grub could be found? The way that I travel, this sort of thing seems to happen on a daily basis.

This app allows you to search local eats, check out reviews and make reservations. A downside is that at the moment, this app only works in Canada, USA, UK and Australia.

Find my iPhone – free

All this talk about handy apps that will enhance your sailing trip sound great, don’t they? What good are they when you can’t find your phone? Track that sucker.

One of the greatest things about sailing apps is their efficiency. An insane amount of information can be stored in one handheld device. Eliminate clutter and be more environmentally friendly. However, always remember that technology can be prone to failure so always have a back-up plan in case your mobile device goes down in a jam.

For more sailing blogs and guides, check out: Sailing Gear: Buying boat shoes / New Sailing Jackets for 2012 / The 5 best Greek Islands for sailing holidays

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While not ideal for carving out the hull of a canoe or cutting your way through the jungles of Sarawak, a good model is as much a survival tool as it is an executive nail file.

Here’s what to look for when buying and some help in deciding whether you need a penknife or multitool.

Penknife or multitool?

There’s a grey area here as some penknives are pretty much the same as multitools, in that they have multiple folding blades and functions. The difference being: a pen knife can have just one blade, whereas a multitool will always have several tools – one of which is likely to be a ‘blade’.

And a penknife could also be classified as a folding knife. To keep it simple: a penknife is a small folding knife – a pocketknife – commonly with more than one blade.

New 'Solo', from Victorinox. Basic, but excellent quality, value penknife.

To choose between the two, all you need do is ask yourself what might you need it for? If there’s little or no chance you’ll need to fix wiring, strip cables, cut out shapes or thread needles, there’s little point in carrying a multitool.

And if all you’ll ever need is a sharp edge to cut, a bottle / can opener and a screwdriver then you’ll be fine with a penknife. It’s when the penknives have as many functions as the multitools things get confused…

And to choose, it’s all about compromise: If what you really need is a strong blade – for cutting, paring, skinning or survival, then you should make your decision based on this and shouldn’t compromise just to get functions you’ll never use.

Equally, if you need a pair of pliers, it has to be the multitool, as a penknife rarely packs a decent pair.

Both are compromises: The blade on a penknife won’t ever be as effective as that on a sheath knife, nor will the mini-socket on the multitool replace your garage tool kit.

Decide just how much you can compromise and then look for the models that feature the best quality tools – and the tools you will actually use.

Here are a few classics, a couple of new models and a suprise personal favourite.

Swiss Army Soldier's Knife 2008

Victorinox/ Wenger

Makers of the Swiss Army knife, first issued in 1897 to the Swiss Army. Victorinox penknives are commonly referred to as ‘Swiss Army knives’.

Much of this is due to their similarity to the classic red pocket knife which became the company’s standard design.  Yet there’s many more models – and a few excellent choices.

By complete coincidence, one of the best models in their range is their ‘new’ Swiss Army knife (issued to the Swiss Army from 2008). Sister company Wenger also has a great, but similar range – you can tell the difference as Victorinox knives have a shield around the Swiss cross – Wengers have a square.

Leatherman

Makers of quality multitolls since 1983, Leatherman is a US company (established by Tim Leatherman) whose products are seen everywhere – and frequently imitated by cheap, frankly shoddy copies.

Smart and skinny, and leaves the old Leatherman style behind.

Full-size models are huge, with up to 21 tools and include driver sets. Traditional styles are long, flat, sport a graduated ruler on the back side of the handles and fold out and squeeze closed with a very distinctive action.

Previously awkward  to close a single blade – you needed to open an additional tool first – the company has moved with the times and has several new design elements, including titanium handles on some models.

When opened , tool snap into place securely and with both handles joined you’ve a very sturdy work tool.

We really like the new Leatherman ‘Skeletool’ (pictured), but check the ‘Super Tool 300′ for its classic Leatherman action.

Gerber

Gerber was originally a knife company – again holding the name of its founder in the same way Leatherman does – established by Joseph R. Gerber in 1939. Now as well known for its multitools and survival gear, it’s the other big name in this field. My first Gerber differed from Leathermans of the time as its pliers slid out  without having to open it.

Neat Strata from Gerber

Today’s range contains several traditional designs, but also a few more interesting approaches: The ‘Crucial’ model is very compact and ultralight looking more like a penknife when folded but sporting most of the tools you’d need. And the ‘Octane’ sports a clever one-handed opening and doesn’t over do it on tools.

Swisstool by Victorinox

I never really saw the point in the Swisstool. There’s very little to differentiate it from a Leatherman and I’m struggling to see why they bothered – other than to get a piece of the multitool market.

Happy to hear more about them, so if I’ve missed the point, please let me know.

MOD Issue pocket knife

Back to the penknifes. After all those functions and fancies, it’s really about time to get back to basics. I most cases when trekking you’ll only need a couple of tools – and you can find these on a quality lockblade such as this British Army pocket knife.

Basic, but more than good enough.

Trekking in anywhere other than where you could get into a survival situation, you’re best to cut weight, go for quality and keep it simple. In this case you get a blade that sharpens well, a can-opener, bottle opener and a screwdriver. Simple, and my surprise all-time favourite!

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Buying ski gloves? Go for quality everytime. Image: Flickr/ Skistar Trysil

Looking through most ski shops, you’ll spot so many pairs it’s hard to know what’s hot and what’s not – so to speak. And considering your fingers are often the first to feel the cold, there’s every reason to pick a good pair.

The trick is to make sure you’re paying for high-quality, durable kit that will see you through a few seasons. Here’s what to look for:

Wind resistance

Tight weave materials keep the wind out – a core element in keeping your hands warm. Look for ‘wind stopper’ fabrics by reading the tag or asking the shop assistant about this element.

Water proof

There are some seriously fancy – and expensive – ski gloves out there that don’t repel water. True, many ski-jackets aren’t fully waterproof either and if you’re skiing in February you’re less likely to come into contact with the wet stuff but, as dry snow gets heated by the warmth of the hands, you’ll soon get soggy. Look for ‘waterproof’ on the label and go for Gore-Tex, which is both breathable and water resistant.

Rover gloves from Dakine, Gore Tex® Waterproof / Breathable.

Consider the climate

Mittens are a great if you’re taking skiing holidays in really cold climates – they keep your hands warmer by reducing the surface area exposed to the elements. Alternatively, look for thicker linings in ski gloves to keep your digits toasty. If you ski more in spring, opt for a lighter pair of gloves that won’t make your hands overheat in the sunshine.

Fit

Well-fitting ski gloves should form a snug fit around your fingers whilst still allowing manoeuvrability and enough room for liners, if you decide to wear them. A good test is to have a go at holding a ski pole with the new gloves on – can you grip it easily without the ski gloves shifting about, and are you able to bend your fingers enough to control the pole?

Liners

There are many advantages to wearing a thin pair of gloves inside your thicker pair. Silk liners, in particular, do a good job of adding an extra layer of warmth as well as increasing breathability, and act as a welcome protective layer when you need to take off your ski gloves to open a bottle or undo a zip. If you think you might wear liners, make sure that you try a pair on when testing your new ski gloves, checking that the fit is still good.

Kelvin gloves from The North Face with Storm Door cuff gasket.

Cuff

Bare wrists are bad, so take your ski jacket with you when you try on gloves and make sure that there’s a decent amount of overlap between the cuffs of your ski gloves and jacket, with no skin exposed.

Double-check this by flapping your arms about a bit, to check you have enough coverage. The type of skiing holidays you choose and your skiing style may also affect the length of cuff you go for: powder skiers, for example, may prefer longer cuffs that keep flakes at bay.

Breathability

Washing-up gloves may be super water-resistant but take them skiing and your hands will be sodden in sweat.

The lining of your ski gloves needs to be fairly technical and be capable of wicking moisture away from your hands, without compromising warmth. Again, check the labels and chat to the shop assistant as well as wearing them around the shop for a while to see how they feel.

Keeping hold of them

Once you’ve forked out for a new pair, there’s nothing more frustrating than losing a ski glove, so make sure they fit well and won’t slip off on a ski-lift; Velcro or elasticated wrist bands are good for keeping ski gloves in place, so check these do their job.

If you’re particularly prone to loosing things, buy a pair with a cuff clip, so you can secure them to your sleeve and clip them together when they’re not in use, or you could always go back to your primary-school days and stitch them onto a piece of elastic that thread through your jacket – your call!

For more skiing guides and blogs, check out: The 10 best ski holidays in Italy / The best ski boots of 2012 / Best Ski Touring Skis: A buyer’s guide /10 Reasons to Ski in Japan this Winter / Training for ski fitness – expert tips from Olympic physio

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Explore Burma and get in touch with its unique culture. Image: Flickr/ eGuide Travel

For a decade, we’ve been discouraged from travelling to South-East Asia’s largest country. But in May 2011, it was announced that tourists could return, albeit with the right attitude.

Burma wants its visitors to promote the welfare of its people, to conserve its environment and to gain an understanding of its cultural, political and social life.

So here’s how to holiday in Burma.

In short, visitors to Burma must travel responsibly – an attitude that experienced travel company Explore! is keen to promote as part of its Burma Holidays.

And with Burma’s unique culture, pristine environment and fragile political background, understanding how to travel responsibley has never been more important.

Friendly monks at Myanmar. Image: Flickr/ Stefan Munder

Walking holidays are an ideal way to travel and embrace responsible tourism. Travelling at a slower pace, you can take the time to stop and speak with tribes-people, soak up sounds and smells, learn new skills and reflect more on your experiences.

Whether it’s through a dedicated trekking holiday or by making a concerted effort to travel by foot where possible, taking your time to get closer to the country will enrich your journey and help you better understand Burma’s personality. Holidaying in Burma is a real possibility – so long as it’s done in the right way:

Respecting religion

With 90% of Burma’s population practicing Buddhists, its vital that we respect the religious values that underpin every aspect of their life. Talk to local people, speak with the monks, and discover how to experience their religion without disturbing their practice.

Environmental awareness

Almost half of the country is cloaked in dense, tropical forest, and jungle animals such as tigers, leopards, rhinoceros and wild buffalos can all be found here. An almost untouched environment, ecological understanding and respect are crucial.

Live in harmony with nature. Image: Flickr/ jmhullot

Cultural understanding

Partially isolated from the rest of the world for so long, it’s important that we’re conscious of this past – be aware of how your actions, attitudes and appearance can have an impact on the people you meet.

Open-minded

A country with a fragile past and unique outlook, the people of Burma welcome visitors but ask that they come with impartial attitudes and open minds, ready to learn more about Burma’s culture, people and political past.

But if acting responsibly and travelling by foot sound a bit too tame for your liking, think again. Burma is bursting with opportunities for action and exploration. Explore! has adventure holidays that will draw you deeper into the raw beauty and natural wonders of Burma, whether it’s cycling through the Shan State Highlands, leg-rowing through the reed beds at Inle Lake, or cruising along the Irrawaddy River.

From tribal villages and ancient capitals to tropical-forests and mountain retreats, Burma has so much to offer and, with the right approach, we can now play a role in celebrating the splendours of this incredible country.

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Run to get fit 'before' your adventure holidays. Image: Flickr/ ruggin

Running is one of the best ways to get fit: It improves your overall fitness quickly and effectively, and is weight bearing, helping to strengthen bones and build muscle.

It’s important to be in good shape before you go – otherwise you might find yourself struggling to keep up, dealing with constantly aching muscles and risking injury. Here’s how running can help you get up to speed before your holiday.

Getting Started

Pretty much anyone can start running: It is one of the most accessible sports around, as the only specialist equipment you need is a good pair of running shoes. We’d always suggest you research properly, identify your own needs and learn a little about what’s on the market, rather than wear any old pair of cheap trainers (as tempting as that can be if you are on a budget).

Every foot is unique – as is every runner – and this makes for a variety of running styles. For example, the height of your foot arch can help determine whether you need supportive or flexible shoes.

Before you start running, look at sites that specialise in running equipment and look for advice sections as well as the latest footwear.

Training Programmes

Once you have your shoes, you are ready to run. If you are a complete novice, it is best to follow a beginners’ training programme and consult your doctor first if you’ve any health concerns.

You can train anywhere. Image: Flickr/ josh.ev9

Beginners’ programmes are designed to help you build your fitness slowly. This is important; if you try to go too fast, too soon, you will leave yourself prone to injury and frustrated with your new sport.

That said, you could try and go a little faster than the programme says, as long as you are willing to fall back if the going gets too tough. Being able to run 5k in 30-40 minutes is a good goal for general fitness, and will take most people up to two months to achieve.

Many people find the first few times out running a struggle, but it quickly gets easier, so persevere. Once you have got over the initial ‘fitness hump’ and started to feel more comfortable, you will soon find you start to enjoy it – take care to not get hooked, it’s surprisingly addictive!

Being out in the open air, with the wind in your hair as you speed along under your own steam is a fantastic feeling. And running to get fit it gives you a taste of those magical endorphins you’ll get when hurtling, climbing or sliding your way through your adventure holiday. Running can give you the confidence and power you need to have the adventures you crave – and it gets you fit, fast!

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Pack a jacket and enjoy. Image: Flickr/ mikebaird

If you’re kayaking in cold weather, you’ll also need a wetsuit. Even so, anyone planning to be out on the water for any length of time still also needs a quality jacket.

Kayaking experts recommend dressing for fifteen minutes of immersion in the water – the length of time it would be likely to take to get rescued in an emergency. If the water temperature is below about 21C, then a jacket is essential.

In warmer water, a swimsuit and a rash vest might be enough, but it is still a good idea to take a jacket rolled up in the kayak in case the weather turns; jackets protect against wind and cold air as well. So here’s what you should be looking for.

The two types of kayaking jacket

There are two main types of kayaking jacket. The first is the waterproof dry top. These have tightly fitting seals (usually latex) at the neck and wrists to keep the wearer dry. The second is the semi-dry top, or paddling jacket. These will still have seals, but usually made of neoprene. They are splashproof, rather than fully waterproof.

Which jacket you need depends on the conditions you plan to kayak in. If you kayak in cold water then a dry top that will keep water out during a roll is essential. Warm-water kayakers will sometimes wear cagoules or generic water or wind-proof jackets, rather than specialist kayaking jackets. These can be fine in warm, flat water, especially for beginners who do not want to buy too much kit early on.

While not a specialist kayaking jacket, this from Henry Lloyd made with GORE-TEX Pro Shell will hold off both wind and water.

Jacket Features

Kayaking jackets should be made of synthetic fibres that will wick sweat away from the body and keep their wearers dry without being too hot. Natural fabrics take longer to dry than synthetics and will quickly cool the body down when wet, so they are not suitable for kayaking.

The best jackets for most kayakers are those made of breathable fabrics such as Gore-Tex. These jackets will stand up to chilly conditions, but will not cause overheating in warm weather.

For colder weather, non-breathable jackets are fine, and often last longer, especially if they are being used in abrasive salt water. All kayaking jackets should have taped seams to keep them waterproof.

Kayaking jackets are short, so that they do not sit on top of the spraydeck uncomfortably. They normally have a pull-cord waist to keep water out. Some have a double waist: one to go under the spraydeck, one to go on top of it.

Just remember: Kayaking jackets are designed to keep water out, but not necessarily to keep bodies warm. So cold-weather kayakers need to wear a fleece or other base layer underneath.

Getting the right jacket means the difference between enjoying your trip and being wet and miserable. It could even save your life. Choose carefully.

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South Africa, warm water and peeling waves. Image: TTRide

Shark bumps and chilly water temperatures aren’t enough to overlook the amazing surfing potential here.

And out of the water there’s much to be discovered, in a country that’s vibrating with enthusiasm for its own future.

Back with the waves, a South African surfing holiday would not be complete without visiting one, or more of the following top 10 breaks:

Jeffreys Bay

The holy grail of South Africa’s surf map. A long right starting at the top of the point and peeling down to the beach break. Each section has its own name and vibe, and associated wave – they often don’t link up when conditions aren’t perfect.

‘Boneyards’, besides being a world-class tube, is very localized and sketchy, breaking over a nasty reef. Just inside is ‘Supertubes’ – usually where the world tour stop is concentrated. Pick one off here and start pumping for a fast, hollow barrel and perhaps the wave of your life. Further down is ‘Tubes’, ‘Coins’, and the section aptly named ‘Point’. Start here to get your feet wet at J-Bay.

Elands Bay

Sometimes compared to a lefthanded mirror of Supertubes, Elands turns from a firing barrel to a carveable face and plays host to any kind of board imaginable. Southerly winds pick up in the afternoon creating offshore conditions that also entice kiteboarders and windsurfers. Located on the Western Cape, the wave can get messy when there’s too much swell. Catch it just right on a rising tide for an epic session.

Surfing from dawn to dusk in Western Cape. Image: Flickr/ olmed0

Muizenberg

One of the most consistent, easily accessible waves in South Africa. Located on False Bay just south of downtown Cape Town, Muizenberg is a playful beach break with plenty of peaks for everyone to catch waves.

Definitely the best bet if you’re only in town for a short while or on your surfing holidays and not looking to take on more advanced waves. There’s several surf camps and rental shacks for beginners.

Buffels Bay

Often knocked for its inconsistency, Buffels can get cooking with a perfect SE swell. Towards the tip of Cape Peninsula, the point is close to Cape Town but rarely crowded.

A peaky beach break here is often the call, or a more consistent left called Murphy’s Reef. Be cautious of rocks on the low tide and be on the lookout for gray fins slicing through the water…

Durban

A mecca for up-and-coming surfers on the East Coast of South Africa. Durban’s waters are warm, as is its weather – a welcomed escape from the Antarctic winds of the South Coast. There are plenty of beach breaks to surf in town, as well as world-class waves at New Pier and Cave Rock. These spots are not for beginners so stick to smaller, sandy bottom waves at Dairy Beach if you are just starting out. Another perk – shark nets protect the municipal beaches.

The Hoek

A popular Cape Town spot on the western side of Cape Peninsula. The water is cold, the wind is often howling, and the wave is easily worth all the discomfort.

The Hoek works best with a medium-sized swell and needs plenty of offshore wind to make it barrel, but when it does, the result is unmistakable – a punchy left and right barrel over a shifting sandbar. It’s easy to see why this spot can get a bit crowded on windy days.

Cape St. Francis, waves for all. Image: Flickr/ tboothhk

Cape St. Francis

Not far south from the epic rights of Jeffreys Bay, Cape St. Francis has held its own as a great surf destination for years. Popularized by both Endless Summer films, the cape churns out heaving right-handers on strong eastern swells.

Seal Point epitomizes point breaks and works best on a high tide – although it may fatten waves and send you back to the truck to grab your fish or longboard.

Explore the inside beach break or around the point. If you’re visiting on your surfing holidays, you’ll notice there are always some locals on the best peaks, but there are plenty of waves for all. Great whites – the true locals – are the ones to look out for.

Kommetjie

Back on the eastern flank of the Cape Peninsula is the sandy beach of Kommetjie. A fun beach break exists close to shore and although it doesn’t hold up in massive surf, it will get good with a medium swell and throw excellent lefts. Further out are shifty sandbars, which command bigger surf and demand commitment.

The paddle-in will leave your arms burning, the shark sightings are frequent, and the waves can get massive, but one ride out here and you’ve conquered South African surfing… at least for the day.

Waiting in the water for some waves. Image: Flickr/ Daniel Flower

Mossel Bay

About halfway to Jeffreys Bay from Cape Town is the town of Mossel Bay. The unique geography of the bay causes swell to wrap all the way around the point until waves are actually breaking in an easterly direction.

Outer Pool is the wave to ride for exceptional barrels and fun walls; Inner Pools is better for the beginner or longboarder.

The area is lightly surfed compared to other municipalities in SA and conditions turn quite favourable in the winter. The water is warmer here and plenty of outdoor recreation can be enjoyed when the waves aren’t cooperating.

Dungeons

More of a novelty mention on this list. Dungeons is one of the gnarliest big wave slabs in the world. Saddle up in Hout Bay Harbor and gas your sled due west. When you see a 30-foot wave face doubling to 60 in mere seconds, stop. You’re here. And unless you’re a pro, don’t stick around.

A better place to watch insane tow-in crews is from the headlands behind the harbour. Cold, sharky, windy, huge, scary, unmakeable, Dungeons encapsulates all the risks of big-wave surfing. Better to leave it to the guys with a few loose screws.

For more surfing info and guides, check out: Top 10 surf spots in Hawaii / Buying wetsuits for surfing: A ‘how to’ guide /Surfing Equipment: How to buy a Longboard /Top 10 Surf Spots in the Canary Islands

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