South Africa’s kitesurfing & windsurfing Spots
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South Africa’s Kiteboarding Spot Guide - Inland
So you’re inland and you want to kiteboard? Are you mad?
(original article by Pat Banks appeared in Gust Magazine. View the original article here)
Here’s how to get water bound while being land-locked:
THE WEATHER
The weather inland works differently to the coast, and this in turn has an effect on kiteboarding inland. Generally the best wind comes through in the morning at most places, though Sterkfontein is more coast-like in that it can often pick up in the afternoon. There is still a rough pattern to it all (for a good part of August one year it only blew during the week and not on weekends) but it’s only as reliable as Czech taxi drivers’ fare calculations from the airport.
The most noticeable effect is the passing of cold fronts as they make their way up from the Cape to Mozambique. As at the coast, the larger fronts cause more wind, but with no coastal afternoon seabreeze or morning calm effects, the direction is more variable inland. Also, further away from the centres of the pressure systems, the time periods are more variable. Sometimes it will blow for a week, sometimes for a day. The most common wind around Gauteng and much of the Free State is a NW and the best time of year is around Spring. So the sweet spot for kitesurfing inland in South Africa is August to November, though as with anywhere, some years have longer seasons than others.
ALTITUDE
When kiteboarding inland, you’ll also need to consider altitude and fresh water. At around 5000ft above sea level, most of the spots around Gauteng pack a bit less punch than the coast for any given windspeed.
“Fresh water” is an interesting descriptor for stuff the colour of coffee and the taste of dirt, but without the salt you’ll be less buoyant. Between this and the altitude you might find yourself flying a bigger kite than you would have thought necessary.
KITE TYPE
Kite type is a major consideration inland. The evolution of the bow kite has been something of a godsend for inland kitesurfers, as their ability to absorb gusts comes in incredibly handy. I promise you I saw 8 knots gusting to 28 and back again at the Vaal one day, no storm cells around, no word of a lie.
The C kite vs bow kite debate has raged long and hard and there’s no need to get into it again here, but if you are going to kite inland we’d suggest seriously considering a bow kite.
THE WINDHOUNDS
Considering the difficulties kiting inland, there are a surprising number of the dedicated who chase the wind around these spots on a regular basis. Something of a group has formed around Gauteng who share the effort of kite surfing trips and have formed a very sociable little kiting community. The Windhounds, as they’re loosely known, have regular social events, a weekly newsletter and an internet forum.
When there’s no wind or no time to chase it they often converge on the Base3 cable park at Midrand for some board skills practice, not to mention a few cold ones. They’re always keen to have more people to share the stoke with so if you’re up that way, check out the kite forum section on this link, or have a look at the back issues of the newsletter. Email windhounds@wbs.co.za to subscribe to their weekly mailing list.
WHERE TO KITE
SPOTS ON THE VAAL:
Stillbaai Yacht Club
Directions: To get to Stillbaai, come in on the R549 then turn left at the R54, drive for about 8-10km and look for Stillbaai Yacht Club.
Accommodation: The closest that we know of is in Deneysville, see below.
Wind direction/conditions: Works well in a NE, NW and SW (although SW tends to be very gusty). Very little chop, wind is generally lighter than the other two spots.
Heads Up: Watch out for Hobies and other water craft parked on the beach, they’re a problem when the water level is high.
Parking to riding: It’s one of the smaller inland spots to park and rig, there’s a small section of grass right in front of the water. Think carefully about rigging when you park your car.
Deneysville
Directions: Drive on R549 past R54 and turn left into Deneysville. Left at Quality Street, right at Riverside Street.
Accommodation: Camping at the spot itself or Lake Avenue Inn Guest house/Bed & Breakfast (016) 371-1115
Wind direction/conditions: Works well in NE. Very choppy, nice brown look to the water.
Parking to riding: Plenty of room here, give yourself room to rig and a bit extra just because you can. Except when the dam’s at 110% capacity, then it gets interesting. Heads Up: plenty of obstacles underfoot: rocks, bricks, fishingtackle and glass. Booties are a must if you like scarless feet. Obstacles to look out for are the concrete braais, a water tap, trees and fishermen.
Oranjeville (a.k.a. Stinkys)
Directions: As per getting to Deneysville, carry on with the R549 till it splits to the left and becomes the R716. Keep on the R716 right into the small town of Oranjeville.
Accommodation: Within about an hour and a half of Johannesburg there’s really no reason to stay overnight in Oranjeville. If you insist though, you can stay at the Herberg Hotel (016)351 1673. There’s also a caravan park in town if that’s your vibe.
Wind direction/conditions: Works best on a NW. It’s relatively closely flanked by hills and buildings and the wind can be quite gusty here.
Parking to riding: It’s one of the better inland spots to park and rig, there’s a huge expanse of grass right in front of the water, a line length and half again from shore is a good distance away to make camp. Then you can rig your kite where it falls out of your car and be right next to the water when you launch.
Heads up: Keep an eye out for fishermen and their lines, setting up downwind of them is generally advisable.
SPOTS ON THE GROOTDRAAI DAM:
Grootdraai dam is about two hours drive from Johannesburg, next to the small town of Standerton, and is also quite a big body of water. The water temperature is cool in summer to freezing in winter. It tends to be a little colder than the Vaal and Sterkies - make sure to bring a full-length wetsuit. To get there drive down the N3 towards Durban, turn onto the Heidelburg North offramp, left back over highway and left again at the R23, then carry on straight.
Grootdraai South (KiteBeach)
Directions: Drive on the R23 until you reach the town. Turn right at the first set of traffic lights, left at the next set of lights, over a bridge crossing the Vaal river, first left (gravel). Then drive ±10km until you see red gate on left hand side.
Accommodation: You can camp on the beach or grass. There is no running water but long-drops (*ick*) are provided so go with enough supplies and your game face on. You can also stay at The Gecko Guesthouse (017) 712 1234. (We haven’t stayed there, but are sure they don’t have long-drops).
Wind direction/conditions: Works well in NE, NW and SE (SE tends to be a bit offshore). Very little chop, has a great flat section, quite consistent wind with a bay for beginners.
Parking to riding: A high clearance bakkie or 4wd is good for getting from the gate to the kiting spot, it gets a bit rough. City cars can make it though, just a lot more slowly. Great kite launch area with sand almost like a beach, except when water level is high you’ll have to rig on the grass.
Heads Up: Watch out for stray rocks. This area of the dam is regulated by a fishing club and they get priority. We have arranged to join the club as official members for rights to the property and as long as we keep out of their way they can’t ban us from the spot. Membership is around R100pa or a day pass of around R15, check www.xsport.co.za for who and how to pay.
Grootdraai North
Directions: Drive on R23 until you hit the town. Turn left at first traffic light, then right at the R50. Drive past town until you reach a sign that says Grootdraai Dam.
Accommodation: none
Kiteboarding access is in question at the moment though.
Wind direction/conditions: Works well in NW, SE, SW. Flat water, onshore conditions. It’s a smallish bay with wind travelling mostly over land. Powerboats and fisherman are sometimes in the way and again have ‘We-were-here-first’ right of way, best to not rock the boat and upset them with access rights in question.
Parking to riding: There’s an ok rigging area on the grass. There are some gravel roads close by - you don’t want to get dragged over them.
STERKFONTEIN DAM (a.k.a. Sterkies)
This is a great spot but is a long drive from Johannesburg/Pretoria and around 2.5 to 3 hours. The wind can really pull through here at times and it has been a popular spot for poleys since back in the day when men were men and crocodiles were nervous (not that there are any here).
Directions: Drive on the N3 towards Durban, turn on the Harrismith offramp and follow the Qua-Qua Bethlehem road for about 2km. Turn left at Bergville Putaditjaba Road, left again at the R74 and keep driving until you see the Sterkfontein Dam entrance on the right - it’s about 16km from Harrismith.
Accommodation: There are camping facilities and chalets available at the dam itself with proper toilet and water facilities. Bring spare toilet paper though. (058) 622 3520 to book the chalets. Wind direction/conditions: Works well in NW, NE and the SE (kite in front of the chalets in SE). Very consistent wind, relatively big chop. There’s a decent bit of flat water in a bay which is also good for beginners, but it’s in a slight wind shadow so choose a kite size wisely.
Parking to riding: There is an ok sized area right at the point but when there are quite a few kiterboarders it can get a bit crowded. Keep an eye out, roll your lines up to give others space if necessary.
South Africa’s Kiteboarding Spot Guide - Garden Route
This guide will provide you with all the popular kitesurfi ng and windsurfi ng spots as an easy reference guide for planning your weekends and holidays. Where possible, we ‘ve made recommendations for cool places to stay and activities to enjoy! To the locals out there, please feel free to add your accomodation and hot spot recommendations in the comments section.
FALSE BAY
REGION: Strand
Spot: Makassar
How to get there: Take the N2 out of Cape Town. Pass airport and after about 35km take the Macassar/Firgrove off-ramp. Turn right at the top of the bridge and drive towards Macassar. Look out for the dirt road on your left. You will see sewerage works. Follow the winding dirt road to the beach.
Conditions: Wave riding, Free style
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Best wind: E, SE, S, SW
Heads up: Watch out for gangstas, tik-heads and gray-suits.
REGION: Strand
Spot: Main beach
How to get there: Take the N2 out of Cape Town. Look out for the first Somerset West/Strand off-ramp. Turn right on the bridge. You will pass the Sasol station at the entrance to Somerset Mall. After three sets of traffic lights, turn right into Beach Rd. You will see the wooden Strand clubhouse on your right.
Conditions: Wave riding, Free style
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Best wind: North West, West, South West, Southerly
Heads up: Only kitesurf north of the the Lifesaving Club. Watch out for surfers and bathers.
BOLAND:
REGION: Boland
SPOT: Bettys Bay - Silver Sands
How to get there: Drive along the R44 towards Hermanus. First right turnoff at Bettys Bay is Porter road. Second tun-off right is Delport. Drive til the dirt road turns into a sandy track. Park just before the gate or drive in and pay Peter John to look after your car. Sandboarding dunes to your right, beach to your left. Walk over the dunes to get to the beach.
Conditions: Freestyle & Wave (cross-on rights)
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Best Wind: SE, Southerly
Heads up: Beautiful unspoiled beach. Sandboarding across the road. There’s a cool penguine colony in the reserve - follow the signs with penguins on them - 10 bucks gets you into the reserve. Accomodation: Betty’s Bay Backpackers - what a cool spot.
REGION: Boland
SPOT: Bettys Bay - Main beach
How to get there: Turn right at the service station in Bettys bay. This is the other end of Porter road, left into Anglers, right into Access road. Park at the beach parking lot, and walk across the dune. Kiting towards your left away from the rocks.
Conditions: Freestyle & Wave (cross-on rights)
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Best Wind: South Easter, Southerly
Heads up: Same as Silversands – just a smaller beach
REGION: Pringle Bay
SPOT: Main Beach
How to get there: Take the N2 highway towards Sir Lowry’s Pass. After passing through Somerset West, turn right at the Gordon’s Bay/ Kleinmond sign, and then left at the T-junction and signboard in Gordon’s Bay marked Rooi Els/ R44. Within 15 minutes you’ll be in the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, looking across False Bay to Cape Point. Continue past Kogel Bay, pass Rooi Els and then turn right into Pringle Bay, which is clearly signposted.
Conditions: Wave riding (cross-on rights), Free style
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Best Wind: North Wester, Westerly
Heads up: Freestyle & Wave (cross-on rights), Intermediate to Advanced. Fickle & gusty, but some good waves if you strike it lucky.
OVERBERG:
REGION: Hermanus
Spot: Grotto beach
How to get there: Take the N2 out of Cape Town. After Sir Lowry’s Pass, take the Hermanus off-ramp. Drive all the way through Hermanus town and after the last traffic circle, follow signs to Grotto beach.
Conditions: Waveriding
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Best wind: West North West, Westerly, South West
Heads Up: Beware of bathers. Nice multitasking opportunity: whale watch while kiteboarding.
REGION: Cape Infanta/Witsand
Spot: Lagoon
How to get there: From Cape Town, follow the N2 past Caledon, through Riviersonderend, just before Swellendam take the right hand turn sign posted Infanta.
Conditions: Freestyle (flatwater lagoon),
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Best wind: South Easter
Heads up: Smooth water and great fishing.
REGION: Struisbaai
Spot: Main Beach
How to get there: Travelling from Cape Town, leave the N2 at Caledon and take the R316 to Bredasdorp. From Bredasdorp take the R319 to Struisbaai/L’Agulhas (28 km). When entering Struis Baai, drive about 2km and you will see NOSTRA on your left hand side at the beach. This is a good rigging area.
Conditions: Freestyle & Wave (cross-on rights),
Level: Beginner to Advanced
Best wind: Easterly, South East, South West
Heads up: Easterly is best, longest un-interupted white sand beach in the southern hemisphere (14km). Larger waves towards Die Plaat, Flat water near the harbour. Speak with Erin and Malan at Cape Agulhas Backpackers for directions to kitesurf-able spots.
REGION: Stilbaai
Spot: River Mouth
How to get there: From Cape Town, take the N2 in an easterly direction passing Swellendam, Heidelberg and Riversdale. 8km after Riversdale turn right onto the R305 and proceed for 26km to Stilbaai.
Conditions: Freestyle & Wave (cross-on rights) Level: Beginner to Advanced.
Best wind: South Easter, Southerly
Heads up: Watch the rocks.
GARDEN ROUTE:
REGION: Mossel Bay
Spot: Nautilus Bay Beach
How to get there: Take the N2 turn off to Vlees Bay. Follow the turn off to Nautilus Bay Estate. Follow the road to the beach. (This is a private estate and unless you live there you will not be allowed access. Befriend a local!)
Conditions: Wave riding, Free style
Level: Advanced
Best wind: South East, South, South West, West
Heads up: Isolation!
REGION: Sedgefield
Spot: Myoli Beach
How to get there: Take the N2 into Sedgefield. At the traffic lights at the garage/Friendly supermarket turn right. Go straight at the circle towards the river. Drive all the way until you get to the parking lot at the river mouth and proceed with that road till you get onto a gravel road, follow the gravel road to the end and turn right onto the tar road towards the parking lot.
Conditions: Wave riding, Free style, Wake style
Level: All levels
Best wind: South East, East
Heads up: Beware of kiteboarding too far up the river mouth – you enter the lee side of the cliffs and will lose your kite in the water. If you go across the river mouth you can’t walk back. Next beach is Swart Vlei about 6km down wind. Down wind runs are possible to Swart Vlei but note the wind often drops as you approach the cliffs of Gerrickes point (Swart Vlei).
REGION: Mossel Bay
Spot: Dana Bay
How to get there: As you enter Mossel Bay N2 from Cape Town, turn right at 1st traffic light to Dana Bay. Follow the signs to 2nd beach.
Conditions: Wave riding, Free style
Level: Advanced
Best wind: South, South West, North
Heads up: Can be gusty at times.
REGION: Hartenbos
Spot: River mouth
How to get there: Take the N2 turn off to Hartenbos. Turn left at the Engen garage into Hartenbos. Turn left at the T junction and follow the road all the way to the river mouth parking lot.
Conditions: Wave riding (small), Free style, Wake style
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Best wind: East, South East,South, South West
Heads up: Rocky towards the right of the mouth at low tide, gusty at times
REGION: Buffels Bay
Spot: River mouth
How to get there: Take the Buffels Bay turn off from the N2, follow that road till you see the river mouth, park on the left of the road or in the 1st parking lot on the right at the backpackers lodge.
Conditions: Wave riding, Free style, wake style
Level: All levels
Best wind: West, South West and North West
Heads up: Bird breeding area, don’t kite in the river, only in the sea.
REGION: Buffels Bay
Spot: Main beach
How to get there: Take the Buffels Bay turn off from the N2, follow that road into Buffels Bay and at the 3rd stop turn left and follow the road to the parking lot at the beach.
Conditions: Wave riding
Level: Advanced
Best wind: East toSouth Easterly
Heads up: Difficult to launch kite in high season with the people on the beach, you have to walk a bit to get to the slipway and then go from there. Be careful of the rocks. On-shore kitesurfing conditions.
REGION: Great-Brak
Spot: River mouth
How to get there: Take the Great Brak turn off from the N2 (signs may say ‘Groot Brak’ in the local lingo). Turn right under the bridge and then left at the T junction. Turn 1st road right before you get to the river bridge and follow the road to the parking lot.
Conditions: Wave riding, Free style, Wake style
Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Best wind: South, South West, West and North West
Heads up: Gusty during North West.
REGION: Wilderness
Spot: Main Beach
How to get there: Take the N2 into Wilderness. Turn 1st road right after the river bridge in to the parking lot at the NSRI house.
Conditions: Wave riding, Free style, Wake style
Level: All levels (only because we figure it is next to the NSRI!)
Best wind: East, South East, South and South West
Heads up: Gusty in the westerly winds
REGION: Knysna
Spot: Brenton on lake
How to get there: Take the Brenton turn off from the N2. Turn right under the bridge and follow the road till you get the Brenton on Lake sign and turn left. Park in the parking lot next to the slipway.
Conditions: Flat water, Free style
Level: All
Best wind: South East
Heads up: Watch out for the poles and boats. You have to walk past the resort and have to rig your gear on the flatlands grass.
REGION: Plettenberg Bay
Spot: Keurbooms River mouth
How to get there: Take the Plett turn-off from the N2 at the Engen garage, travel about 350m and turn left into Xenon Street, first left into Plato road, second right and drive straight to the lagoon.
Conditions: Wake riding, Free style
Level: Beginners to Intermediate
Best wind: South East, East
Heads up: Virtually all the Plett beaches are do-able in South–South Easterly winds, but as it is onshore, it is sometimes difficult to get to the back line.
REGION: Plettenberg Bay
Spot: Keurbooms, The Waves
How to get there: Take the Keurboomstrand turn-off from the N2, follow the road and take a right at Wybo’s Restaurant, drive until the first car park overlooking the beach, just beyond the Waves development.
Conditions: Wave riding, Free style
Level: Intermediate, advanced
Best wind: South West, East, South East.
Heads up: It’s best in South Westerly winds but also suitable in South Easterly. A down winder back to Keurooms River Mouth is about a 9km run. Surf is usually double Pletts size, but very manageable, offering large faces to surf in to the beach, oh yes, and mind the whales at the back line. Favourite spot of locals, and you have the whole place to yourself – a must do if you come to Plett.
No wind? Other great things to do on the Garden Route: Great White Shark Cage Diving in Mossel Bay (and Gansbaai just past Hermanus), Quad biking and 4×4 track days at Louvain in the Langkloof, scuba diving in Knysna, Knysna Elephant rides, fishing on charter, see the Big 5 at Bottelierskop Game Farm, feel lucky at the Garden Route Royal Casino, and have a happy ending at the Spa afterwards! Feast on excellent seafood at De Vetter Mossel in Groot Brak, go berry picking at Redberry Farm in George, play golf at Fancourt or one of the other numero uno golf destinations on the Garden Route. Clear your lungs at Bloukrans River Bridge Bungee. Very popular for paragliding and hangliding. Tree-top Canopy Tours at the Tsitsikama forest, abseiling, paintball, bird watching, whale watching and any other kind of watching that please the eye. Nice.
Durban - World Class Waveriding
Watch as Grant “Twiggy” Baker takes you on a kiteboarding mission around his homeland in Durban, South Africa.
Click on this link for an overview of kiteboarding spots in the area.
African Kite Surfari with Ben Wilson
For those of you planning to visit South Africa this summer, or if you live here and the sound of a kite surfari tweaks your fancy…. check out what Ben Wilson has up his sleeve for January 2010.
“Explore the culture, wildlife, sights and surf of South Africa on a roadtrip from Cape Town to Durban and beyond! We’ll start out exploring the vibrant city of Cape Town and it’s amazing beaches, waves and wind; before heading up the East Coast of South Africa surfing world famous spots like Jeffreys Bay and many hidden gems which offer amazing waves & wind!”
South Africa’s Kiteboarding Spot Guide - Inland
Watch this space - the inland guide is coming soon. JL
South Africa’s Kiteboarding Spot Guide - Western Cape
Table Bay, the South Peninsula (Deep South) and the West Coast , make up a variety of some of the world’s most well renowned kite sports. Perfect wind (usually starting from Sept to March) and waves as well as ideal flat water conditions, ensure that within 100 km radius, you are spoilt for choice.
The Western Cape Spot Guide, was published in issue 21 - Sept/Oct and this will form the basis of this section. This guide will provide you with all the popular kitesurfing and windsurfing spots as an easy reference guide for planning your weekends and holidays. This guide includes the West Coast as well as the Cape Peninsula, and later, we’ll cover our beautiful country South Africa.
In addition, we’ve made recommendations for cool places to stay and hot spots to enjoy the sunsets and a good night out! To the locals out there, please feel free to add your accomodation and hot spot recommendations in the comments section.
WEST COAST
REGION: Langebaan
Spot: Main Beach Pearly’s
How to get there: Turn down Bree Stree and proceed to the end. The parking lot is the best place to start from.
Conditions: Flat to Choppy water
Level: Beginner to advanced
Best Wind: South, South East, South West, West, North West, North
Heads Up: This beach has a strong tidal flow and has regulations as to where you can kitesurf/windsurf. Please read the signs.
Gust Recommended Restaurants and Accommodation: Driftwoods restaurant and bar, Farmhouse Hotel and Restaurant, Kaktus – for Friday night entertainment, Cape Sports Center, Windchasers Kitesurfing school and Accommodation.
REGION: Langebaan
Spot: Shark Bay
How to get there: When you are in Langebaan, take the main road towards the reserve. There will be a gravel road where you can park and a short walk to the beach.
Conditions: Flat, Warm Water
Level: All
Heads Up: There is a wind free zone to the far right of the beach at the rocky area. If you are a beginner, rather walk your kite up left as far as you can. Stay out of the long grass (Snakes) and be careful of stray Ostriches.
REGION: Langebaan
Spot: Friday Island/Cape Sports Centre Beach
How to get there: Follow signs as you enter Langebaan. Turn right at the 2nd 4 Way Stop Street & follow the signs to Friday Island.
Conditions: Flat water with Waves
Level: Advanced
Best Wind: SE, S, W, SW, N, NW
Heads Up: The winds are normally offshore, so do not go out here unless you can ride to a high standard. Also be aware of windsurfers entering
and exiting the water. Please raise your kite when they approach.
REGION: Yzerfontein
Spot: Main Beach
How to get there: 50km from Cape Town. Follow the R27. You will see the turn off to your right after Grotto Bay and Jakkalsfontein.
Conditions: Wave-riding, Freestyle
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Best Wind: South East, NW, N
Heads Up: A great spot for when Cape Town is blown out. The beach goes on for miles, so kite further away from town to get away from the GUSTS!
Gust Recommended Restaurants and Accommodation: Beaches Restaurant
REGION: Veldriff
Spot: The River
How to get there: Veldriff River is tidal and only works when the tide is either coming in on a NW or in on a SE. You can gain entry at the Small Craft boat launch just past Port Owen.
Conditions: Speed sailing
Level: Advanced
Best Wind: NW, SE
Heads Up: The River is narrow and has fixed objects in place. Be aware of boats and fishermen.
Gust Recommended Restaurants and Accommodation: Laaiplek
REGION: Elands Bay
Spot: Elands Bay
How to get there: From Veldriff, take the signs to Elands Bay +-2.5hrs driving from Cape Town.
Conditions: Wave-riding
Level: Advanced
Best Wind: SW
Heads Up: A big wave destination with cold water and shallow reefs (mussel beds!) Stay clear of surfers!
Gust Recommended Restaurants and Accommodation: Elands Bay Hotel - camping available.
REGION: Paternoster
Spot: Main Beach
How to get there: Follow signs to Paternoster off of the R27. (After turning for Langebaan) Park near Fish Market.
Conditions: Speed, Wave
Level: Advanced
Best Wind: SW, SE
Heads Up: This spot is extremely gusty and offshore. Many a kite has been lost to the seas, be prepared to swim…
Gust Recommended Restaurants and Accommodation: The Hotel – a must for those wanting to experience the real West Coast.
CAPE TOWN:
REGION: Table Bay
Spot: Sunset Beach
How to get there: If you are heading away from Cape Town along the R27,
turn to the beach at the Engen garage.
Conditions: Wave-riding, Free-riding
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Best Wind: South and South East
Heads Up: Quite gusty in the launching area. Get onto the water as quickly as possible.
REGION: Table Bay
Spot: Dolphin Beach
How to get there: Right in front of the Dolphin Beach hotel.
Conditions: Wave-riding Free-riding, Freestyle
Level: All
Best Wind: S & SE Heads Up: Lay out your lines perpendicular to the shore.
REGION: Table Bay
Spot: Kite Beach
Conditions: Wave-riding, Free-riding, Freestyle
Level: All
Gust Recommended Restaurants and Accommodation: Doodles Restaurant and Bar, for accomodation: Endless Summer Beach House, also check out CapeTownGuru.
REGION: Table Bay
Spot: Big Bay
How to get there: Further along the R27, head out past Table View.
You will see the new developments going on.
Conditions: Wave-riding, Free-riding, Freestyle
Level: All
Best Wind: South East
Heads Up: Good spot when the wind gets nuclear and other beaches blown out. There are regulations as to where to launch and kite - please read the signs. Gust Recommended Restaurants and Accommodation: Eden On The Bay (just behind the car park) has an array of bars and restaurants.
REGION: Table Bay
Spot: Kamers How to get there: (same car park as Big Bay)
Conditions: Wave-riding
Level: Advanced
Best Wind: South East
Heads Up: Off shore wind conditions
REGION: Table Bay
Spot: Haakgaat
How to get there: Head along the beach road from Big Bay to Melkbos.
You will see the sign.
Conditions: Wave-riding
Level: Advanced
Best Wind: South East
Heads Up: Gnarly shorebreak and rocks
SOUTH PENINSULA:
REGION: Muizenberg
Spot: Muizenberg
How to get there: Take the M3 away from the city and follow signs to Muizenberg
Conditions: Wave-riding, Free-riding, Freestyle
Level: All
Best Wind: South and South East
Gust Recommended Restaurants and Accommodation: The Kite Corner
REGION: Kommetjie
Spot: Longbeach
How to get there: Take the M3 over Oukaapse Weg, take a right at the Sun Valley four way stop - keep going until you see the signs for Long Beach
Conditions: Wave-riding
Best Wind: North West
REGION: Scarborough
Spot: Witsands
How to get there: Take the M3 over Oukaapse Weg, take a right at the Sun Valley four way stop to Scarborough, then turn left at Ocean View
Conditions: Wave-riding
Level: Advanced
Best Wind: North West, South East
Heads Up: Take note of the new footpath thanks to Andre.
Gust Recommended Restaurants and Accommodation: Jeremy’s Guest House, Scarborough
REGION: Cape Point
Spot: Platboom
How to get there: When you are in the Cape Point nature reserve, take the Cape of Good Hope turn off.
Conditions: Wave-riding
Level: Advanced
Best Wind: South, South East
Heads Up: Rocks and reef – you must know your story!
Gust Recommended Restaurants and Accommodation: Cape Point Nature Reserve
Check out the slide show of Oswald Smith from Stellenbosch, ripping it up at Muizenberg.
South Africa’s Kiteboarding Spot Guide - Garden Route
Don’s be scared off by the recent incident with a surfer and a shark at Stilbaai. If you want to experience the real jewels that SA has to offer, these are some of the spots you have to get to. As great as the surf and wind are in the Western Cape, do not be sucked into the beauty without venturing further beyond the local hotspots.
Check out the Kiteboarder’s Guide to the Garden Route and be sure to be welcomed by any of the backpackers, schools and restaurants mentioned as an old friend of the GUST family.
South Africa - The kiting Mecca
It’s no wonder that kiteboarding is one of the fastest growing sports in South Africa. With consistently strong wind and waves, it’s the perfect location to enjoy the jewels of what the sea has to offer, and visit a cosmopolitan city, all in one go! Professor John Lazarus, who spends his days combing the globe for the finest kiting experiences, has statistically proven that the probability of wind in SA, is more likely than any other kiting destination in the world. Check out his findings here.
When the Northern hemisphere is capped with frost and snow, their team riders head South, and flock on our shores to prep for the competition season ahead. More and more, we see top athletes visiting for over three months at a time and even investing in property and second homes here. Gilbert Preston interviewed a number of key opinion leaders from all over the world to hear their thoughts on SA as a windsports capital.
“Why is it then that we have so little representation on the world circuits?” asks Tyrone Rawlins. How can we change this?
What are your thoughts?
South Africa’s Kiteboarding Spot Guide - Eastern Cape
SUNSHINE COAST – THE GUST SPOT GUIDE, SOUTH AFRICA PART 3:
This guide will provide you with the popular kitesurfing and windsurfing spots as an easy reference for planning your weekends and holidays. Part one (issue 21) covered the Western Cape, part two (issue 22) covered the Garden Route, part three is going to guide you through the Sunshine Coast in the Eastern Cape. In addition, there have been some recommended places to stay or activities to enjoy.
EAST LONDON
Region: Nahoon Beach
Spot: Nahoon Mouth
How to get there : From the NE expressway get off at the Gleneagles offramp , turn into the old transkei road take a right at the robots into beach road. Go all the way down until you see the caravanpark on your left hand side. Turn into beach access road and park in the car park.Conditions: Perfect at high tide, flat water and good waves.
Level: All
Best wind: NE – Cross on
Heads up: Stay out of the bathing area (in season) .Try to stay to the left hand side of the blind river,wind strongest closest to river mouth.
Recommendations: Beach break restaurant 400m from beach . Lots of B&B’s in Nahoon mouth (use Google).
Region: Nahoon Beach
Spot: Nahoon Reef
How to get there: Same as Nahoon Beach , launch from the beach and take a few tacks to get to the reef .Wind will be very fluky and gusty on the beach .Launch close to the river mouth .
Conditions: Big right hand reef break. Better on an incoming tide
Level: Advanced
Best wind: 20kn SW or SSW - cross off
Heads up: 3 tacks to get out, wind 10kns stronger at the reef than the beach break. Don’t ride the wave too far as you will get into a wind shadow.
Spot: Bonza Bay
How to get there: Go across the Nahoon bridge into Beacon Bay, up the batting hill, at the top of the hill turn right into Bonza Bay road . Follow this road for about 3 kms till you get to the beach.
Conditions: Beach break, bigger waves and wind than Nahoon. Best at high tide.
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Best wind: SW and NE – cross on and cross off
Heads up: Don’t leave anything on the beach . Try and kite with a friend.
Region: Glen Eden (25km outside East London )
Spot: Glen Gariff
How to get there: Take the East Coast resorts road after getting off the National road going to Durban. Follow this road until you see the Glen Eden Turn off go through Glen Eden past the lagoon and carry on all the way to the beach.
Conditions: NE ( is slightly offshore) very good wave riding on the first day of NE
Level: Advanced
Best Wind: NE – cross off
Heads up: Kite with a friend, sometimes a rip which can swallow up a lost board
Region: Cintsa(37kms outside East London)
Spot: Beach Break and Lagoon
How to get there: Same directions as Glen Eden but about another 10km along the road.
Conditions: Beach break with a lagoon that sometimes has water in for beginners.
Level: Beginner – Lagoon, beach break – all
Best Wind: NE – cross shore
Heads up: Don’t kite to far to the right hand side of the beach. Best at high tide.
Summary: Easiest to stay somewhere in East London close to the sea . High tide better than low tide. Talk to the locals – Patrick 082 4102 679
PORT ELIZABETH
Region: Kings Beach
Spot: Main beach
Directions: Get into Marine Drive, this runs parallel with the P.E coastline (and is the only beach road),proceed along Marine drive till you see a massive parking lot and the Kings Beach sign. We land and launch to the side of the big blue super tube.
Conditions: Choppy water with waves
Level: All
Best Wind: NE, E, SE
Heads up: nothing actually, just don’t jump to close to the beach, because you will land on it, wind direction is frequently dead onshore
Recommendations: Varity of restaurants and B&B, too many to mention, anything in the Summerstrand area is good
Spot: Milliers (small beach)
Directions: Travel along Marine Drive towards south, take a left just prior to the Marine hotel on the right. This paved road allows you to park 5 meters from launch area.
Conditions: Choppy at the back, with a smooth inside section and waves
Level: Intermediate – advanced
Best winds: E, SE
Heads up: Rocks, can only kite on a high tide, very small launching area
Region: The Reserve
Spot: The lighthouse
Directions: Follow Marine Drive out of P.E towards the south, take a left at Pine Lodge Sign and into the reserve
Conditions: Smooth inside sections with plenty waves
Level: advanced
Best winds: E, SE, S
Heads up: Reef, rocks, can only kite on high tide, sharks, strong currents and need to purchase a permit to enter reserve recommendation: Pine Lodge resort
Region: Bluewater Bay
Spot: river mouth
Directions: Travel out of P.E centre to hook up onto the N2 towards East London and take Bluewater bay off- ramp, then proceed towards beach and finally towards the mouth
Conditions: Flat water and waves
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Best winds: SW
Heads up: strong currents, sharks
Recommendation: Any B&B in Bluewater bay
Region: Sardinia Bay
Spot: The Pond
Directions: From P.E airport exit left. Turn left into Heugh Road and continue for 10-12 km’s before turning left at the Sardinia Bay sign post
Conditions: slight swell but mostly smooth
Level: all
Best winds: SW, W
Heads up: Watch out for the current on the left known as the “washing machine” can be easily avoided if you stay to the right
Region: Sardinia Bay
Spot: Danger Bay
Directions: From P.E airport exit left. Turn left into Heugh road and continue for 10-12 km’s before turning left at the Sardinia Bay sign post
Conditions: Waves
Level: Advanced
Best winds: SSW, SW
Heads up: Strong currents, sharks, dangerous if you get into trouble
Region: Cannon Rocks
Spot: Still Waters Beach
Directions: Take the N2 turn off to Port Alfred. Follow the R72 until you get to the Cannon Rocks turn off. Follow the road into Cannon Rocks and take the first street left into Cannon Rocks and follow that road till you get to the parking lot where you will see a wreck just to the left of the parking area.
Conditions: Wave riding, Free style
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Best wind: South East, East, South West, West
Heads up: There is a reef that runs for about a kilometer out and at low tide it can be very rocky. If you do a downwind to the left of the wreck towards Boknesstrand there is a spot where the wind drops completely.
Region: Boknesstrand
Spot: Boknesstrand Beach
Directions: Take the N2 turn off to Port Alfred and follow the R72 until you get the Cannon Rocks/Boknes turn off and follow that road towards Cannon Rocks. Turn left at the Boknesstrand sign and follow main road until you get to 2nd street and turn right into 2nd street and follow the road to the parking lot.
Conditions: Wave riding, Free style
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Best wind: West, South West, East, South East
Heads up: Can be gusty at times, Rocks to the right of the beach all the way to Cannon Rocks.
Region: Bushmansriver mouth
Spot: River mouth
Directions: Take the N2 turn off to Port Alfred. Follow the R72 until you get the Bushmansriver mouth turnoff. Turn right into Boesmansrivier mond and follow Aloes road / Main Road. Turn left at Hertzog road and then go straight into Hoepoe road. Keep in Hoepoe road and follow the dirt road until you get to the parking area.
Conditions: Wave riding , Free style, Wake style
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Best wind: East, South East, West, South West
Heads up: Rocky towards the left of the mouth at low tide, Keep to the right of the mouth. Don’t go further than Dias Cross if you are on your own. Only do a downwind if you have other kitesurfers with you that know the area, as it can be very dangerous to go around Dias Cross unassisted. Shark infested waters, gusty at times.
Region: Port Alfred
Spot: East Beach
Directions: Take the N2 turn off to Port Alfred. Follow the R72, Southwell Road into Port Alfred and keep on that road, go over the bridge and follow Albany road. Turn right at Lagoon Road and then right again into Dove road. Follow that road till it splits and turn left into the parking lot.
Conditions: Wave riding, Free style
Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Best wind: South East, East, West, South West
Heads up: Keep to the left of the Pier. Very strong currents to the right. Rocks to the far left. Gusty at times.
Region: Kenton on Sea
Spot: Main Beach
Directions: Take the N2 turn off to Port Alfred. Follow the R72 until you get the Kenton on Sea turnoff. Turn right into Kariega road. Follow Kariega road until you get to a 3way stop. Go straight at the stop until the road split into Eastbourne road, turn right and keep on that road, you will pass Homewoods restaurant on the left, keep straight until you get to the parking lot.
Conditions: Wave riding, Free style, Wake style
Level: Intermediate, Advanced
Best wind: South East, East, South West, West
Heads up: Keep to the right of the river mouth, If you go across the river mouth you can’t walk back. Rocks to the far right of the beach. A bit of a trek to get to the beach from the parking lot, so make sure you don’t have to walk twice.
JBAY AND ST FRANCIS
Region: Kabeljous
Spot: Lagoon
Directions: Da Gamma road out of J-Bay, Vake road on the right
Conditions: flat water
Level: beginner
Best wind: anything easterly
Heads up: shallow
Recommendations near by: J-Bay Wind Kite and Windsurfing school
Region: Kabeljous
Spot: Main Beach
Directions: Da Gamma road out of J-Bay, Vake road on the right
Conditions: waves
Level: all
Best wind: SW
Heads up: heavy beach break
Spot: Kitchen Windows
Directions: Right of JBay Main beach
Conditions: waves
Level: intermediate/advanced
Best wind: South
Heads up: sharks, reef and Surfers
Region: Aston Bay
Spot: Lagoon
Directions: Follow signs from J-Bay to Aston Bay , across the bridge
Conditions: flat water
Level: beginner
Best wind: Easterly
Heads up: good for lessons, too small for more than 3 kiters or 5 windsurfers. Tidal and shallow
Region: Aston Bay
Spot: Main beach
Directions: Drive from J-Bay via Marina Martinique to Astonbay. Big parking lot
Conditions: choppy and waves
Level: all
Best wind: Easterly
Heads up: reef and rocks
Spot: Paradise Beach
Directions: Follow signs via Aston bay drive over bridge, to paradise, carry on straight, first road after airfield turn left, follow road and turn left on T-Junction
Conditions: waves
Level: intermediate and advanced
Best wind: SW, East
Heads up: reef
Region: St Francis Bay
Spot: KrommeRiver
Directions: ask anybody in the area for directions
Conditions: flat water
Level: all
Best wind: Easterly
Heads up: shallow in places
Region: Cape St Francis
Spot: Shelly Beach/Ducks
Directions: In Cape St Francis go past Caravan park, turn right after +-3 Km.
Conditions: waves
Level: advanced
Best wind: East, SW
Heads up: sharks, strong currents and heavy waves
Please post your tips and comments for your fellow GUST readers JL
