Bay of Plenty is a sand-bottomed beach break in Durban that was once the best wave in town and the city's main contest site. The sand has shifted over the years, leaving the right sectiony, but on its day 200m rights still rifle over the triangular bank with room for big rail work and short tube rides. On more average days you'll find peaks scattered up the beach and the familiar inside left bowl.
When It Works
The beach draws swell from southwest through north to northeast, and it picks up plenty of it, though a southeast (SE) swell is the best match. It's usable from 0.9 m / 3 ft to 3 m / 10 ft, and both lefts and rights break here. The bank stays fairly consistent overall, even if the moving sand has made the main right less reliable than it used to be.
Wind and Tide
Look for a west (W) offshore wind. The beach works through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call, and the inside left bowl tends to fill in as the tide pushes higher.
Local Tips
The wave is mellow enough to suit beginners. Expect a busy lineup when it's on, but the crowd here is a good deal more relaxed than the pack down at New Pier.
Access
You'll find restrooms, showers, a lifeguard, a surf school, and a surf shop on hand. Parking is easy, with a car park offering free parking alongside paid and roadside options.
