Nothing had changed since the last time I was in Jeffrey’s Bay. The wind whipped between the houses, across the white sand beach and sent water spraying off the back of waves. The ocean at Supertubes was somewhat messy and littered with white horses.
That didn’t seem to deter the two surfers who had just ran down the boardwalk and stepped out onto the beach. They surveyed the swell with eager eyes and clutched their short, colourful boards. Jeffrey’s Bay was unchanged, quiet before the festive season and beautiful still.
For two nights we stayed right across from the world-famous surfing beach of Supertubes at Aloe Again (originally called Surfpackers). If you were ever confused about where in the world you’d landed up, vintage surfboards hanging from the walls, photography of epic swell and surfing artwork would remind you.
The weather did not come out to play so whilst the grey clouds and the wind ruled outside, we had the entire double storey house to ourselves. The colourful double rooms with their own kitchenettes and ensuites would not fill up until thousands of tourists migrated to Jeffrey’s Bay from December onwards. The pool and foosball tables lay dormant beside the indoor fire place and I walked out on the balcony to look out at the ocean.
Down on the beach, the whales came out to play. It was usually dolphins who made this area their playground and often I’d seen them swimming by in the hundreds whilst jumping playfully through the waves. But today this whale enjoyed the waters, parading his tail in the air and lifting it up and out of the water.
For breakfast we walked across Pepper Street to the African Perfection offices and restaurant and enjoyed flapjacks with bacon and syrup and full English breakfasts with cappuccinos. Even here, the placemats displayed images of long boards, Volkswagen kombies and the world’s best right-hand break of Supertubes.
When lunchtime arrived, we were keen on visiting Nina’s restaurant just down the road. It was already packed by the time we arrived, feeding locals and visitors alike. I satisfied my fish and chip craving whilst Vaughan’s Thai green curry took him back to the island of Koh Samui.
We asked the waiter about the impressive collection of ancient surf boards adorning the walls. He pointed out some of the oldest boards in South Africa such a Whitmore and explained that almost all of them were donated. Bible scripture decorated the top of one wall and surfing videos played on the TV high above the table.
Whilst this was the most relaxing stay I had ever had in JBay, it was also the only time I didn’t surf or get into the water once. But I savoured the quiet side of this little seaside town and know I will be back.
Jeffreys Bay Info:
- Popular Attractions in Jeffreys Bay
- Things to Do in Jeffreys Bay
- Self Catering in Jeffreys Bay
- Jeffreys Bay Guest Houses
- Guest Houses in South Africa
