Clifton 4th Beach

From Openwaterpedia

Clifton's 4th Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag award in recognition of its environmental, safety and tourist standards. Clifton, an affluent suburb of Cape Town in South Africa, was rated as one of the Top Ten Beaches by the cable and satellite television network Discovery Travel Channel in 2003 and 2004. In 2005 and 2006 it was rated by Forbes.com at number 8 in the Top 10 Topless beaches in the World.

It is an exclusive residential area and is home to some of the most expensive real estate in South Africa, with dwellings nestled on cliffs that have sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Clifton has a set of 4 beaches which are frequently used destinations for both locals and tourists. The beaches, which are named from 1st to 4th, are separated by falls of granite boulders and have almost pure white granitic sand. The four beaches of Clifton are one of the few areas well protected from the notorious southeasterly wind, which has a great deal to do with its popularity with bathers.

The water, although chilly (12–16°C), plays host to many water sports, mostly surfing, both board and body, and the new Atlantic Dash. The strongest surf is at First, diminishing to Fourth, where it is the weakest. Fourth beach (to the South), is the most populated and glamorous venue. Yachts anchor off Fourth beach, especially on summer weekends. Third beach attracts gay men. Second beach is populated by students playing beach volleyball and beach bats. First beach, to the north, the smallest beach, draws a mixed crowd of locals and surfers (although Beach Bat tournaments have been held frequently here, with the current champions being team "PE to CT", consisting of Galia D and Jason G). Clifton Beach was noted as one of Discovery.com's best beaches by region.

It is also start of the Atlantic Dash open water swim that finishes on 3 Anchor Bay.