Skeleton Bay
Erongo, Namibia
Point breakExpert
The longest sand-bottom left-hand barrel on Earth, Skeleton Bay (Donkergat) in Namibia's remote Skeleton Coast roars to life on massive south Atlantic swells, running for over a kilometre through a barren, post-apocalyptic desert landscape.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Wind
NE
Offshore
Tide
outgoing mid tide
LowMidHigh
Season
June–August
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Left
Bottom
Sand
Shape
Extremely long, barrelling left, the wave runs over a sandbar formed by the unique geography of the lagoon mouth, producing kilometre-long tubes
Length
500m to 1.5km+
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Expert
- •Why: One of the most physically and technically demanding waves on Earth, cold Benguela Current water, extreme hold-downs, and utter remoteness create life-threatening conditions.
Hazards
- •Benguela Current (12–14°C), hypothermia risk even in thick wetsuits
- •Extremely remote, nearest hospital is many hours away
- •Great white sharks patrol the Skeleton Coast
- •No escape from the hold-down, the wave runs so long that coming off results in a prolonged wipeout in churning whitewater
Local Tips
- •Access requires a permit from Namibian authorities, the Skeleton Coast National Park controls entry.
- •Surfers (including Cory Lopez and Jamie O'Brien) who documented this wave changed how surfing understood what length was possible on a sand-bottom break.
Location
-22.9000, 14.5167