The History of Jeffrey’s Bay: From Fishing Village to Surfing Mecca

The History of Jeffrey's Bay: From Fishing Village to Surfing Mecca

If you ever have the pleasure of visiting Jeffreys Bay, you’ll be greeted by glistening white beaches, endless rolling waves and countless surf shops. While modern-day Jeffreys Bay has a slew of travelling surfers interested in surfing the town’s famous waves, it wasn’t always the seaside gem it is today.
J-Bay, as the locals lovingly call it, started as a humble seaside settlement. It wasn’t just a haven for surfers chasing perfect waves but also for fishermen seeking to earn their livelihood from the bountiful ocean.

The Early Days: A Quiet Fishing Village

Surfing was the last thing on anyone’s mind when Captain Jeffreys sailed his cargo ship down the East Coast of South Africa. As the story goes, during one of these expeditions, a scurvy outbreak on board forced him to stop at what is now known as Kitchen Windows. Seemingly endless white sandy beaches and a tranquil setting convinced Captain Jeffreys to set up shop and call this spot home. He built what is known as the White House and set up a store, which became a distribution point for local farmers.

As more people began to settle in Jeffreys Bay, it slowly transformed into a small fishing village. Fishing boats would sail out in search of geelbek, steenbras, snoek and leervis, anchoring the town’s economy and way of life around the ocean’s rich resources, which subsequently sustained the close-knit community for decades.

The Rise of Surfing Culture

By 1945, Jeffreys Bay was home to just a few hundred residents, but not a single surfer. However, the town’s transformation from a quiet fishing village into a bustling surf mecca began a few years later, sparked by the release of Bruce Brown’s iconic film The Endless Summer in 1966. The movie famously showcased a surf session at Bruce’s Beauties, a flawless right-hand wave in nearby St. Francis Bay, cementing the region’s status as a global surfing hotspot.The discovery of the right-hand point break at Supertubes Beach quickly followed, with countless surfers making a note to place the hidden gem on their surf bucket list.

By the late 1960s, the once obscure town was overrun by what many termed “counter-culture hippy surfers.” However, the influx of surfers saw a development explosion, with many people wanting to live close to “the perfect wave.” This led to the land along the point being divided into plots, with surfers and investors eagerly seizing the opportunity.

By the 1970s, investors started building highrises, houses and apartments to take advantage of the increased demand. By the 1990s, more South Africans recognised the benefit of soaking up the sun in a seaside paradise, with many flocking to live in Jeffreys Bay or purchase a second home as an escape from the bustle of the city.

One of the key factors behind Jeffreys Bay’s steady development is its close proximity to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). However, it’s not just convenience driving growth—South Africans are continually drawn to the town’s sunny shores as the perfect place to relax and recharge.

Modern-Day Jeffreys Bay

Modern-day Jeffreys Bay has become a thriving mix of surf culture, local traditions and tourism, all built on the foundation of its fascinating history. Despite its global status as a surfing mecca, J-Bay has built a close-knit local community that preserves its laid-back charm while embracing the opportunity for sustainable growth.
For example, events such as the J-Bay Open bring the world’s best surfers to town but also include opportunities for local participation. Initiatives such as youth surf programs and surf schools ensure that locals can benefit from and actively participate in the town’s surfing culture. These efforts ensure that Jeffreys Bay remains not only a world-class surfing destination but also a town that locals are proud to call home.

Staying at a Contemporary Jeffreys Bay Accommodation

Whether you’re a surfer chasing the perfect wave or a traveller seeking an authentic coastal escape, Jeffreys Bay offers a unique blend of history, culture, and adventure with a range of accommodations to suit your needs.

Supertubes Guesthouse is conveniently located in Jeffreys Bay, offering you the perfect base for exploring the history and surf of Jeffreys Bay. Our JBay accommodation provides you with both Standard and Luxury Bed and Breakfast accommodations, as well as family-friendly Self-Catering options.

Book your Jeffreys Bay accommodation with us today and enjoy all that this seaside paradise has to offer!