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Go Backpacking > Destinations > Africa > South Africa > The Island Vibe, Supertubes, And Surf Shops

The Island Vibe, Supertubes, And Surf Shops

November 20, 2008 By Dave

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Jeffrey's Bay as seen from Island Vibe

The Island Vibe backpackers in Jeffrey's Bay is located atop a sand dune, just a few minutes walk to a popular wave called Kitchen's Window, the Billabong factory shop, and the downtown area.  The decor and atmosphere revolves around surfing, with the dedicated waking up as early as 5am to check the weather and hit the water.  The motivation of some was all the more surprising as the bar was busy every night.  My participation did little to help me get over a developing cough and cold.

 Pointing the way to Supertubes

For two weeks each July, the world's best surfers descend upon Jeffrey's Bay for a Billabong contest held at Supertubes, the big wave in town.  I took a taxi up there to catch a glimpse of it, even though the wind was keeping the surfers away.  Hearing surfers talk, I'm sure there is a proper way to describe it, but you're stuck with the words of a layman.

 THE supertube

Aside from a few wooden observation benches, there is nothing special on or around the narrow strip of beach.  In fact, there is a rocky outcropping between the beach and the wave, which looked unforgiving.  The waves are much bigger in winter (the northern hemisphere's summer), yet I could clearly see and capture the tubular nature of them (dude).

 Surf shop in J-bay

For the non-surfing visitors, Jeffrey's Bay offers great shopping opportunities.  Prices for name-brand clothes were so cheap, I completed another wardrobe overhaul at the expense of my Kho San Road threads.  Aside from the regular surf shops, Quicksilver and Billabong have factory shops where you can sort through tons of clothes.  For example, I bought a black Billabong hoodie for $20.  It was a ” sample”? meaning it didn't go into full production, and is therefore something of a limited edition (I like to think), and on sale for 25% off!  T-shirts were as low as $7. 

The Island Vibe bar being restocked after a busy Friday night

I couldn't resist a pair of Volcom board shorts at a surf shop for half the price they would cost in the USA.  To the potential disappoint of a former coworker, I'm officially retiring the Def Leppard'esque brown and orange Andy Irons shorts I bought on sale in Byron Bay, Australia back in January. 

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Filed Under: South Africa

About Dave

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 65 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Originally from New York, Dave now calls Austin, TX home. Find him on Instagram and Twitter.

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Comments

  1. Alisha says

    November 20, 2008 at 4:38 pm

    awesome shopping deal! i’m very jealous seeing as when i try to shop for surfing clothes here in the US even sometimes in Puerto Rico, the prices are outrageous. good for you though, hope you’re enjoying the weather!

  2. Alisha says

    November 20, 2008 at 9:38 pm

    awesome shopping deal! i’m very jealous seeing as when i try to shop for surfing clothes here in the US even sometimes in Puerto Rico, the prices are outrageous. good for you though, hope you’re enjoying the weather!

  3. Lisbe says

    April 16, 2010 at 9:16 am

    Jbay is a 40minute drive from my town. We go to Jeffreys Bay for 2 reasons… to surf or to buy cheap Billabong clothing at the factory shop there. On New Years eve hundreds of us ,young people, go to Jbay to do the count down on the beach and party into the next year. I love Jeffreys Bay!!!!

  4. Lisbe says

    April 16, 2010 at 2:16 pm

    Jbay is a 40minute drive from my town. We go to Jeffreys Bay for 2 reasons… to surf or to buy cheap Billabong clothing at the factory shop there. On New Years eve hundreds of us ,young people, go to Jbay to do the count down on the beach and party into the next year. I love Jeffreys Bay!!!!

  5. Okescindy says

    November 26, 2010 at 1:06 pm

    I am sooooooooo super proud to call this my home town!!

    • Dave says

      November 26, 2010 at 4:43 pm

      Sweet Cindy! If J-bay is your home town, you must be good on a surfboard. :)

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