South Africa: Cape Town

KITESURFING HOLIDAYS - CAPE TOWN

THE LURE:

The Cape Doctor is the name for the strong, persistent and dry south-easterly wind that blows along the South African coast in summer, and is particularly strong around the Cape Peninsula. Known as the Cape Doctor, it is believed to help rid Cape Town of its pollution and smog. Consistently the spot of choice for the world's best riders in freestyle and waves, from October to March. Why? Because the wind is unbeatable, the area boasts 30+ kite spots, offering a huge variety of riding, from flat water to five or six metre waves. Also, unlike most good kite spots, one of the world's most vibrant cities is a short drive away.

THE SETUP:

The northern part of the Cape Peninsula is where most of the kitesurfing takes place, so we'll focus on those spots here. There are some amazing places elsewhere though. Scarborough and Cape Point south of Cape Town provide serious wave riding conditions. Flat water can be found, most notably at Langebaan 90 minutes up the road with warm water, too! Head southeast of Cape Town city and you'll reach Muizenberg where the wind comes cross-on from the right, but head east from here and the Indian Ocean is much warmer. Far too many spots to mention.

SUNSET BEACH:

Sunset Beach is the first spot you come to as you head north from Cape Town. It has the most consistent wind in the peninsula and is the first place to get windy as the Cape Doctor kicks in. A general rule is that if one spot gets too windy for you, drive a few spots north and the wind won't be as strong. Cross-offshore winds and beach break conditions here. Shops to visit here: Watersports Warehouse (see below).

DOLPHIN / KITE BEACH:

A little further around the bay you come to Dolphin Beach (Table View), popularly known as Kite Beach. Most kiters stay in Table View and this is the area's main beach, with special views across the bay to its namesake mountain. Southeaster cross-shore winds and you'll catch some good waves. Shops to visit here: Best kiteboarding, Liquid Force, Naish Suntrax, Ocean Spirit (see below).

BIG BAY:

'Big Bay' comes next with a pleasant grassy rigging area. A lot of residential development has sprung up here, but it remains a hugely popular kite spot, in spite of it being a relatively 'small' bay. This spot is also busy with windsurfers, so keep the peace. The wind is cross / cross-onshore from the left again. Shops to visit here: Cabrinha (see below).

HAAKGAT & MELKBOS:

Drive north a few clicks and Haakgat is a small beach holding a big, advanced rider's wave. Melkbosstrand (Melkbos) requires a little further drive to get to up the coast, but works when other spots to the south are getting blown out. As a rule; when the sou'easter is cranking, head north in search of less wind. The beach is huge here. Cross-shore winds and beach-break conditions.

WIND, WEATHER & WATER:

Air temperature averages 25°C - 30°C during the summer months. The Cape Doctor can blow 5-7 days a week, gradually picking up through the day and often still very strong in the evenings. The southeaster comes in cross- and cross-offshore from the left on the northern beaches and is generally reliable and strong during the summer, from October to March (December and January being peak wind season). Moderate in the morning, it frequently builds to 30+ knots by mid-afternoon. Get up early or drive further north for less wind. 25 – 35°C / 77 - 95° are typical day air temperatures in the summer, dipping to around 20°C / 68°F at night. Contrasting with the hot air, the Atlantic Ocean is relatively cold, averaging 14°C / 57° so you'll need a spring/winter suit.

AIRPORTS:

Cape Town international airport (CPT) – 40 kilometres to kite beach in Table View. Airport transfers are typically ￡25 / €30 / US$45

GETTING ABOUT:

The public transport system is unreliable so it's necessary to hire a car. Hire cars should cost ￡20 / €23 / US$30 per day / ￡250 / €280 / US$400 per month. We used Acker Rentalswhen the Kiteworld team visited, who offer classic Mercedes Benz and specialise in wind sport customer rentals.

ACCOMMODATION:

As you'd expect from a big city, there's plenty of choice in accommodation, from guest houses, hostels and luxury self catering homes in Table View, Sunset Beach and Big Bay, to budget and extravagant hotels in the city. Almost anything is available. Check out the Endless Summer Beach house / Mystic house if you want to be in the thick of the action. Or try the KiteWorldWide Mansion at Sunset Beach. A designer loft villa awaits you with stylish guest rooms, huge living room with kitchen, braai (BBQ) and rooftop pool. They also offer assisted kitesurfing for intermediates and upwards, spot guiding as well as clinics with riders like Youri Zoon. See the news section on KW for more information about the clinics in January and February 2013 - Join Youri Zoon, Lewis Crathern and Pedro Henrique in Cape Town!

FOOD AND DRINK:

Cape Town comes near the top of many a travel writer's list of recommended destinations and is renowned for great food and wind with excellent restaurants found in and out of the city. Table View has the relaxed beach-life vibe, or head to the city for more upmarket and/or authentic cultural experiences. Dine like royalty, for the price of a good steak at home. Well developed, there are shopping centres and supermarkets within walking distance of your accommodation in Table View.

NO WIND:

No problem. You can easily fill every day around the beautiful Cape with endless attractions, including: Table Mountain, Lion's Head, Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point as well as sizzling night life, wine farms, wildlife, safari (we went to Aquila Game Reserve– a couple of hours from town), world-class surf, a cable park and much more.

SHOPS/SCHOOLS:

BEST KITEBOARDING AFRICA

Located in Table View, Cape Town, South Africa. Just 20 minutes north of central Cape Town, lessons operate from the beautiful Blouberg beach, with stunning views of Table Mountain. Lessons are taught by fully qualified IKO instructors. All equipment and safety gear is included in the cost of the lesson: boards, kites, harnesses, wetsuits, helmets and all appropriate safety gear. 

Bruce Gonlag
Phone: +27 (0)21 556 2765
Phone: +27 (0)76 591 6069

CABRINHA SA

Based in Big Bay at the Eden on the Bay shopping centre on the beachfront. Lessons run all year for all levels, beginners to high wind ripping. As importers of Cabrinha and RRD expect the full range of new 2013 gear and a massive range to demo too. Accessories, spares and repairs always onhand and a big team in the shop. GoPros, headphones, clothes JP, RRD and Corban SUP – basically whatever you can think of.

www.cabrinha.co.za
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+27 (0) 21 554 1729

LIQUID FORCE CAPE TOWN

Based beachfront Blouberg and run lessons all year for all levels, out front and at Langebaan. All new 2013 Liquid Force kiteboarding and wakeboard stock, everything on demo and readily available. Huge shop floor with all surf apparel and accessories.
Wifi and TV lounge.

www.liquidforcect.com
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+27 (0) 82 39 44 559 / Shop: +27 (0) 21 556 8172

NAISH KITESURF SA

Based in Marine Circle, one street back from the beach in Table View, they were the first store in Cape Town to stock kitesurfing equipment (this is their 29th year in business) and are the Naish importers for South Africa, so expect the full range of 2013 gear. Shinn boards, Dakine accessories plus windsurfing gear. Choose from brand new, second hand or take some demo gear for a spin. Get Naish Kitesurf SA lowdown on the area in our SHOP SHOWDOWN.

www.suntrax.co.za
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+27 (0) 21 557 0740

OCEAN SPIRIT

Based in the centre of Table View and are importer and retailer of North and Ion products, as well as Fanatic SUP and windsurfing and North Sails. They offer lessons, gear rentals and demos and are committed to offering you the best advice for the area as well as gear.

www.oceanspirit.co.za
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+27 (0) 21 556 3305

WATERSPORTS WAREHOUSE

Based at Sunset Beach in Ocean Square. Importers of F-One and Mystic, dealers of Airush they stock complete ranges of 2013 gear, offer second hand sales, lessons and demos on all gear. Massive range carried and also specialise in Naish SUP, tournament waterskiing, wakeboarding and importers of Bern helmets. 

www.watersportswarehouse.co.za
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Office: +27 (0) 21 802 3934  Cell: +27 (0) 82 706 7476

USEFUL LINKS:

KITESURFING SHOPS/SCHOOLS:

• Best Kiteboarding Africa - Table View
• Cabrinha SA - Big Bay
• Liquid Force - Table View
• Naish Kitesurf - Table View
• Ocean Spirit - Table View
• Watersports Warehouse - Sunset Beach

CAR RENTAL:

• Acker Car Rental

ACCOMMODATION:

• Endless Summer Beach house
• Mystic house
• KiteWorldWide Mansion

FURTHER INFO:

• Cape Town in Wikipedia
• Kitesurfing in Muizenberg
• Kitesurfing in Langebaan

KW SHOP SHOWDOWN:

• Naish Kitesurf SA

Riders who have included Cape Town as one of their Top Places to Ride are:Jalou Langeree, Jo Wilson, Kim Albrecht, Nick Jacobsen, Sjoukje Bredenkamp, Kirsty Jones