Summer in Kommetjie has its own rhythm. Mornings begin early, wind forecasts are checked more than emails and most days end with sandy feet and something cold in hand, while watching the sun set late over the ocean.

This Summer Guide brings together essential local knowledge and favourites – where to swim, eat, hike, recharge and linger – along with the seasonal rituals that make summer here what it is. It’s intended as a living reference for residents and regular visitors alike, updated throughout the season.

Beach & Ocean Days

Long Beach is the centre of summer life. The wide stretch makes space for surfers, swimmers, dog walkers and families without ever feeling crowded.

Surfing

Conditions shift quickly depending on wind direction. Early mornings are often cleanest before the south-easter settles in. For board repairs, 783 Surf is the trusted local go-to – George has quietly kept half the neighbourhood’s boards in the water.

If you’re new to surfing or looking to upgrade your kit, Kom Surf in the village is our local go-to.

Bodyboarding

January saw the first Summer Boogie Bash – a reminder that Kommetjie’s shorebreak has its own loyal following, which will return to Kommetjie each year.

Swimming

The Kom tidal pool is best around high tide – roughly two hours either side. Long Beach swims are invigorating year-round, if you’re not afraid of the Atlantic chill – with epic swim spots (tide and swell dependent) all the way to “the log” and through to Noordhoek.

Kitesurfing – and kite flying!

When the northerly blows, Long Beach and Witsands fill with colour as kitesurfers take to ocean and sky.

While back in the village, Phil at Far Out Kites is a local kite-maker of the character-ful kind – expect dragons, sharks, jellyfish and more – along with an epic selection of festival and yoga attire.

Beach Walks

A walk to the Kakapo wreck at low tide never loses its impact.

The path up to Slangkop Lighthouse offers sweeping views across the Atlantic.

Each full moon, locals gather for a Full Moon Beach Walk on Long Beach – details are listed in the What’s On section.

Eat, Drink & Be Festive

Summer eating in Kommetjie is casual and outdoors if possible!

Blue Water Cafe overlooks the vineyards at Imhoff Farm – relaxed, family-friendly and ideal after a long swim, with a jungle gym, and an adjoined tap room. Blue Water offers the best local pizza, great burgers, the freshest fish and chips and a daily specials board. They’re also popular for takeaway pizza.

Next door, Old Cape Wine Shop stocks expertly selected South African wines, with thoughtful advice from Keith or Nick and a beautifully renovated space – with tastings on First Thursday and at the annual Wine Festival.

Don’t miss Umami Sushi – our favourite local sushi restaurant and Asian eatery, with indoor and alfresco options of garden and deck seating – as well as a protected courtyard for those windy days. Umami also does takeaways.

Shipwreck Brewery’s White Rabbit blonde ale – crafted by Paul Mowat and sold in and around Kommetjie – has become something of a local summer classic. It’s available on tap at Umami Sushi and the Green Room. White Rabbit tees are available in the Kommetjie Life online shop.

On weekends and event days, Androc’s Food Truck is often parked at Long Beach – worth keeping an eye out.

For picnics, Dawn Patrol Wines produces wine in a can, perfect for beach days, and runs a meaningful give-back programme supporting ocean conservation. You can read more about winemaker Trizanne Barnard in our feature article.

Coffee before or after your swim? Good Riddance is a firm favourite, with locally made artisanal brews by Rooikat Roastery, from Uganda, Rwanda and Brazil. Watch a short film on the story of Good Riddance here.

Freshly baked bread, locally made cheese, the best local tomatoes from Living Hope, ice cream, sweet treats, deli goods and seasonal flowers can be found at Free Range Farm Shop – a reliable summer stop in or out of Kommetjie.

Move Your Body

Summer here is active.

Kom Run meets every Monday at 5pm.

Soul Space Yoga offers unlimited packages as well as free Karma Yoga on Saturday mornings – a grounding counterpoint to windy beach days.

Volea Sports City is the place to get active, offering outdoor padel, pickelball, putt-putt and 5-aside-football.

Deep South Hikes hosts free community hikes for agile, adventurous walkers – dogs welcome. Upcoming dates are listed in the What’s On section.

Rent an ebike from KomE-bikes and tour the peninsula on a relaxed ride.

Shop Local, Shop Conscious

Independent retail adds texture to the Deep South, and conscious shopping means choosing local and “preloved” or second-hand where possible.

Stardust Thrift Shop in the village has high-quality vintage finds curated by owner Tanya’s expert eye.

At Imhoff Farm, Rummage and Deep South Provisions are also worth browsing for preloved clothing, while the Reading Rooster has a great selection of second-hand books.

Studio50 Gallery is home to Janet Ormond’s environmentally conscious art, beautiful sculptures made from ocean plastic, along with a curated exhibition of local art that changes monthly.

Stay a Little Longer

For visitors and swallows, South Seas Property manages a portfolio of Airbnb homes in Kommetjie, from beach cottages to family houses within walking distance of Long Beach.

Seasonal Events

Summer builds towards:

• Kommetjie Festival – a full programme of family friendly activity held every November
• Open Studios Kommetjie – tour local artist studios over the first weekend of December
• First Thursday – monthly at Imhoff Farm (excluding January)
• Wine Festival at Imhoff Farm – every February

All upcoming dates can be found in the What’s On section.

Nature Notes

Summer brings an increase in snake activity, particularly on warmer days and along hiking trails. If you’re spending more time outdoors, it’s worth revisiting our Snakes of Kommetjie guide and keeping an eye out while walking.

Birdlife is also abundant along the coast and wetlands – our Birds of Kommetjie and the Cape Peninsula guide is a helpful seasonal companion.

A Local’s Summer

Kommetjie summer is less about ticking boxes and more about returning to the same places that both ground and delight you daily – your favourite yoga studio, walking the same stretch of soft beach sand, an ice-cold swim followed by morning coffee at your favourite local, or climbing the mountain to watch the sunrise, and closing the day with the same sunset view.

Explore more in our Magazine, Directory and What’s On section.

Kommetjie Life is community run and funded. If you’d like to support us, order a T-shirt, join the Directory or get in touch to contribute.

Credits

Illustrations: Patrick Latimer @patricklatimer
Kommetjie aerial photography: Mad Eye Photography
Bird and ocean photography: Ian Miller
All other photography: supplied by events & establishments