Undisclosed South Africa, raw, wild and seldom tamed, just the way we like her. All Photos: Alan Van Gysen

When swells make landfall on the tip of South Africa they split at Cape Town heading east toward Jeffreys Bay or west toward Namibia. En route to it’s northern neighbor it has to pass some 500 miles of pristine, fairly unknown and lightly explored coastline like this. Africa’s version of Wes Oz under the noses of chargers like Twiggy, Matt Bromley and Brendon Gibbens.

Waves like Supertubes in Jeffreys Bay, and so many other magic, quieter spots along the great east coast is the reason why greats like Derek Hynd call it home for months on end during the winter months. DH eyeing out the long and dreamy wall of J-Bay.

What is South Africa and a southern hemisphere winter without the magical waves and point of Jeffrey’s Bay. It has been a slow year at the famous stretch, seeing many big swells swing past, but in June things started to come together and the first real swell delivered picture perfect waves for the J-Bay Open trials hosted by the local JBU.

The calm after the storm at Cape Town’s other world-class big wave spot across the bay from Dungeons called Sunset Reef.

When storms spin out from the Roaring Forties, from deep within the Atlantic Ocean, it’s seldom a question of if there will be big waves, but rather where best to ride said monsters while Cape Town and surrounds get hammered with raw power. Fortunately for the the core group of local chargers there are many coves like this that offer much needed protection and cleanliness from the many elements.

Naturally talented young charger Matthew Bromley is no stranger to big waves of consequence having grown up a stones-throw away from spots like Dungeons and Sunset. Like Grant ‘Twiggy’ Baker, he moves around the country chasing the biggest waves while most wait for them to calm down. Matt while filming for his upcoming film ‘Risky Business’ at an undisclosed reef.

When the coastline is this quiet, and this raw you want a friend or two to join you in the lineup. Frank Solomon, Matt Bromley and Nic van Rooyen survey the large playing field of a west coast spot.

The beauty of winter on both the east and west coasts of South Africa is the cold, morning land breezes which during the gaps between storms produce pristine ocean conditions like this. On days like these, you can literally pick your spot and paddle out with no-one around.

Supers looking tropical and oh-so-inviting. This is why the world’s best decent on Jeffreys Bay every July.

South Africa has arguably the most consistent and varied coastline in the world, living up to it’s nickname ‘The Rainbow Nation’. Young and talented Kommetjie local James Lowe setting up for the gold at the end of the 'bow.

There is something truly special about waking up to the rising sun and it’s golden hew on the east coast of South Africa while a clean groundswell moves north and the land breeze adds the final, light touch. Ballito producing for the QS this past week.