GOOD FOR: Home to the Red Bull King of the Air! All riding styles work and lots of people head here to learn, but essentially this place is most popular for boosting and wave riding in strong winds, while also enjoying one of the world’s most beautiful cities
“From perfect little kickers to juicy monster waves, Cape Town offers some of the best kitesurfing downwinders in the world. You can’t go wrong between October and March.”
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 offering endless entertainment, from the stunning wine lands and the culture of the city for the adults, to the parks and wildlife centre visits with the kids.
Wet your appetite with this video, the first in a series showing various spots around Cape Town by local shredder, Luke McGillewie
THE SET-UP
If you're a pro and your job requires wind, you'll be banging in the overtime around here. Most kiting is in the northern part of the Cape Peninsula and depending on the day, you can find everything from flat waters, to bump and jump kickers to big waves. Driving north from the city, Sunset Beach is the first spot to benefit from the consistent southeaster Cape Doctor wind system kicking in. The wind here is slightly cross-offshore and can be a little fickle on the inside, but it's the first place you look for wind. Waves feature here and at all the next spots...
Dolphin Beach is a five minute drive north of Sunset and is around 500 metres from the main spot, Kite Beach. Dolphin Beach is situated at a slight bend in the beach and so is the first of a series of spots where the wind blows more cross-shore than Sunset. Strong and steady, even though it’s only 500 metres or so before Kite Beach, the wind can be a few knots stronger here and is quickly becoming the unofficial training spot of choice for the King of the Air riders, so if you’re riding here remember to look upwind for incoming flying objects!
Next comes the world famous Kite Beach which, for the last two years has been the event site for the Red Bull King of the Air. Opposite the main hub of Blouberg seafront’s cafes, restaurants and many kite shops, this has traditionally been the main kite spot in the area since the dawn of the sport. You’ll find Board and Kite Africa right opposite the spot here, next door to the most popular kite cafe in the area, Carlucci’s! Another key spot along this stretch is Doodles which is a popular ending to a downwinder from Sunset (a distance of around six kilometres).
The stretch of beach from Dolphin Beach down to Doodles can get very busy, especially in January and into the King of the Air period in February, but as this entire beach is kiteable, you can move along it or venture further afield to find more space.
You can continue your downwinder from Doodles, around the rocky headland to Big Bay (or drive over the hill and launch directly from Big Bay), which has a luxury accommodation and shopping development (Eden on the Bay) with a big grassy area out front as well as bars, restaurants and shops (including the Open Ocean store) making it an ideal spot where non-kiting partners and family can chill out. It’s also a popular spot with windsurfers and surfers and most kiters tend to ride slightly downwind, or to the right of the rocks at Kamers, which is a popular and often accessible wave spot. Downwind of there you’ll find a few lesser-populated but more testing wave spots, like Horsetrails and then Derdesteen, which can be really good before the wind gets strong.
Beyond there is Haakgat, the most serious wave around the Table View / Blouberg area which gets big and breaks fast on a small beach. This spot isn’t for inexperienced riders. Melkbosstrand is the last beach on this stretch of coastline and it quite often works when all these other spots that we’ve just mentioned are getting blown out. There are some serious waves elsewhere around the Cape, such as Scarborough, Misty Cliffs, Cape Point and Witsands.
There’s also Muizenberg to the southeast of the city, which is a super-cool surf town where the Airush and ProLimit HQ’s are based. In the summer months the Cape Doctor south-easter is onshore, but slightly from the right, making it easy enough to get off the beach and enjoy the mushy, soft waves. Freestylers love the big flat sections between the waves. The wind generally isn’t as fierce as it is on the northern beaches, which will be more appealing to some. If you’re looking for proper big air sessions, don’t worry, you will score those here, too. The local crew is humble, mostly just frothed out on kiting and keen for a chat. If there aren’t any people in the water, it’s worth a second guess as to why.
If it’s real flat water that you’re after, 90 minutes north is the ‘jewel of the west coast’, the flat water heaven: Langebaan. This huge, turquoise lagoon is set in the rugged terrain and dazzling natural beauty of the west coast with plenty of space, white-sand beaches and constant cross-shore winds during the season. This is one of South Africa’s top kite spots and it’s especially good for learning, twin-tipping and now foiling. The two main spots in Langebaan are Shark Bay (Kleine Oostewal) and Main Beach. (There is another spot downwind of Main Beach, but the wind is offshore and therefore for advanced kiters only.) Shark Bay is 300 metres south of Langebaan village and ideal for beginners with a huge expanse of shallow, warm water and predominantly cross-onshore winds. Don’t be alarmed by the name; the sharks here are far smaller than their deep sea cousins. In the prevailing south-easterly winds, look for an incoming tide here for the magic to begin.
Main Beach is at the end of the village high street and suits intermediate and advanced riders with cross-shore winds from the left, bumpier conditions in the middle of the channel but lovely flat sections closer to shore and behind the island opposite. Both spots are tidal and low tide at Shark Bay exposes lots of beach, while high tide has the reverse effect, shortening the beach and giving less space for setting up. At the right time it’s an incredible spot to improve your tricks in warmer water than Cape Town and an incoming tide is ideal.
This time heading a few hours east of Cape Town, another great flat water spot is the small coastal town of Witsands (not the wave spot previously mentioned), home to the mighty Breede River. The river mouth is massive and the sand spit makes an incredibly slick offshore spot on the inside, with small onshore waves on the outside. This is a spot for good intermediate twin-tippers and above (plus foilers) as the prevailing easterlies blow straight off the lagoon sandbar and the drop off is quite steep. Although Witsand is a well known kiting destination on the east coast, due to its greater distance from the city it doesn’t ever seem to get too busy.
Powerful winds and pristine sands
Kiteworld head tester, Chris Bull. We head to Cape Town each year to test products in as many different conditions as possible!
Daily evening optical grind / PHOTO: Kiteworld
Sam Light hitting the water at Kite Beach / PHOTO: Kiteworld
Kite beach view to Table Mountain with the Cape Doctor in full effect / PHOTO: Jim Gaunt / Kiteworld
The southeaster (known as the ‘Cape Doctor’ as it clears any pollution from the city) comes in cross- and cross-offshore from the left on the northern Blouberg beaches and is generally reliable and strong during the summer, from October to March (December and January being peak wind season).The Atlantic water is cold at most spots in and around Cape Town, averaging 14°C / 57°F, with most riders in 3/2, 4/3 or even 5/3 full suits.
Head southeast of the city to the Indian Ocean side (Muizenberg) and it rises to 19°C / 66°F. You’ll still need a wetsuit for kiting in Muizenberg on all but the hottest days, but this is a really popular surfing spot for all levels and it’s not uncommon to see people surfing on summer mornings in just a shorty or even less.
Langebaan’s Main Beach water temperature is around 17°C / 63°F in the summer, while Shark Bay can get up to 24°C / 75°F which is much warmer than elsewhere on this coast. You’ll usually need a wetsuit for Main Beach, although you can often kite in a shortie at Shark Bay or even just boardies / bikini.
In the winter (and sometimes in summer) the opposite northwesterly winds come through, opening Blouberg / Table View’s spots up to wind from the right and they work well then for natural footers to ride the waves frontside. 25 – 35°C / 77 - 95°F are typical daytime air temperatures during the summer, dipping to around 20°C / 68°F at night.
SCHOOLS
BOARD & KITE AFRICA are situated in prime position right opposite Kite Beach and next door to the famous cafe, Carlucci’s. Teaching all levels, they stock the latest Airush and Eleveight gear as well as a range of other brands, plus skateboards, clothing and more. Demos and lots of second hand gear available. Super friendly, pop in and grab a copy of Kiteworld there before getting breakfast next door!
Languages spoken by instructors: English and Afrikaans. www.boardandkiteafrica.com info@boardandkiteafrica.com
OPEN OCEAN are based in big bay at the Eden on the Bay shopping centre on the beach front. Lessons run all year for all abilities from beginner level to high wind shredders. Importers of North, Cabrinha, RRD and JP SUP, they have a massive selection of new and demo / rental gear (and 2nd hand) in their entirely new store! Accessories, spares and repairs always onhand and a big team in the shop. GoPros, headphones, clothes, surf, SUP, and basically whatever you can think of, including bike rentals. www.openocean.africa info@openocean.africa
HIGH FIVE operate with the Endless Summer and Mystic Houses and teach all levels, as well as running frequent pro clinics with famous riders. They also rent out complete sets of kitesurfing equipment as well as SUP, surf lessons/ rentals and outdoor adventure tours. www.high-five.co.za info@high-five.co.za
KITEWORLDWIDE have a stylish ten bedroom mansion just 100 metres from Sunset Beach with huge living room, kitchen, braai and rooftop pool with views to the spot and Table Mountain. Kitesurfing courses, guidance, pro clinics with the likes of Best riders Youri Zoon, Lewis Crathern, Hannah Whiteley and more as well as full service travel packages. It’s also a Best Kiteboarding test centre. www.kiteworldwide.com info@kiteworldwide.com
KITE KAHUNAS run wave camps with tuition from October - April, specialising in taking you to the best wind and wave spots, taking the hassle out of hiring a car and organising your own downwinders. They also teach all levels and are based out of their own accommodation at Sunset Beach and rent out and sell Slingshot gear.
Languages spoken by instructors: English, German and Dutch. www.kitekahunas.com info@kitekahunas.com
TRAVEL AGENTS
KITEWORLDWIDE specialise in delivering extraordinary kitesurf holidays to exotic destinations while avoiding the tourist traps.
PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS specialise in luxury tailor‐made kitesurf holidays worldwide. Through its team of highly experienced kitesurf travel professionals, the company offers expert impartial advice, backed up by full ATOL and TTA financial protection. Planet Kitesurf belongs to the Planet Travel group, a market leader in active holidays since 2000.
SPORTIF KITESURF HOLIDAYS provide kitesurfing and multi sport holidays to the very best destinations worldwide. Sportif centres have the latest equipment and highly qualified, experienced staff. Whatever your level, you'll find a range of flexible rental or instruction packages, with a choice of accommodation from budget to luxury 5* hotels, right next to the centres. Contact a Sportif Travel specialist consultant to put together a package that's just right for you.
As you'd expect from an area close to a big city, there's plenty of choice in accommodation, from guest houses, hostels and luxury self catering homes and apartments in Table View, Sunset Beach and Big Bay, to budget and extravagant hotels in the city.
Almost anything is available (although for hotels, you're really looking at the city). Check out the Mystic house if you want to be in the thick of the action, like a crowd and are keeping the budget tight and the fun large (www.themystichouse.com ).
Cape Town Guru are also very useful for searching out the right house / apartment for you, as well as lots of other needs you might have: www.capetownguru.com. Owners Grant and Sheree are Table View locals who know the area well.
Tabu House offer self-catered studios and apartments, with the option to have a sea-view. There’s a pool and fast wifi for winding down after long days on the water. Amazing riding is only five minutes away and Tabu can store all your gear for a hassle-free stay.
@ROSIE’S spacious, clean house has ten rooms catering for guests on different budgets & offers you a comfortable, warm & homely atmosphere within 2 minutes of the beach. They offer airport transfers, assistance in booking kite lessons and can organise day trips to get the most out of your stay in Cape Town. Mingle with other surfers on the balcony & make your windy season one to remember.
@Rosie’s Kite House
Chill out after your session
Sea view from @Rosie’s
KiteWorldWide have a stylish ten bedroom mansion, just 100 metres from Sunset Beach with a huge living room, kitchen, braai and rooftop pool with views to the spot and Table Mountain. A designated kitesurfing guide also brings guests together to make the best out of your stay. Kitesurfing courses, guidance and pro-clinics, plus full service travel packages available.
Kite Kahunas also run a luxurious guest house in Sunset Beach alongside other properties and they have a shop in Blouberg selling Slingshot gear in the Boardhouse Bar.
TRAVEL AGENTS
KITEWORLDWIDE specialise in delivering extraordinary kitesurf holidays to exotic destinations while avoiding the tourist traps.
PLANET KITESURF HOLIDAYS specialise in luxury tailor‐made kitesurf holidays worldwide. Through its team of highly experienced kitesurf travel professionals, the company offers expert impartial advice, backed up by full ATOL and TTA financial protection. Planet Kitesurf belongs to the Planet Travel group, a market leader in active holidays since 2000.
SPORTIF KITESURF HOLIDAYS provide kitesurfing and multi sport holidays to the very best destinations worldwide. Sportif centres have the latest equipment and highly qualified, experienced staff. Whatever your level, you'll find a range of flexible rental or instruction packages, with a choice of accommodation from budget to luxury 5* hotels, right next to the centres. Contact a Sportif Travel specialist consultant to put together a package that's just right for you.
Cape Town is one of the world’s most vibrant cities. There’s so much to do that you could never hope to see it all in one trip, from the culture of the city to the rugged mountains and forests of the national parks. Then, of course, there’s all the famous wine lands which are as close as 30 minutes from town. Despite all the choice, it seems that every pro rider ends up doing the sunrise Lion’s Head hike - followed by an internet essential post: ‘bowl of fruit and cereal’. Each to their own.
Cape Town is pretty much unbeatable for quality and value when it comes to eating out and drinking. The Kiteworld team get their annual sushi hit in Cape Town such is the great value compared to back home in Europe where it could break a week’s food budget in one restaurant sitting!
Self-catering is the most common option here and there are plenty of shops and supermarkets wherever you stay.
In the city there’s shopping, markets, incredible food, bars and nightclubs. You can also go on safari, drive up the Garden Route or stay around Cape Town with its world-class surf, cable parks and much more!
Getting around is easy with a hire car (which are pretty cheap) and Uber is popular transport for nights out, too. Seeing the ‘Big Five’ is possible. Inverdoorn Game Reserve is well known worldwide for their cheetah rescue program and is only two hours drive out of Cape Town. The 10,000-hectare park boasts the big five and offers guided walks with giraffes. The reserves cater for day visitors and if you’d like to have a sleepover with the lions there’s the Ibiza Safari Lodge. There are lots more smaller parks closer to town too that smaller children will love, like Giraffe World (complete with crocs!) and Butterfly World, both of which are near the Stellenbosch wine lands. Handy for a combined day out!
Unwind with wine in Cape Winelands: Fancy yourself some fermented goodness? Expand your palate just north of Cape Town, in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl. This region has been producing wines since 1659, so the vineyards have pretty much mastered the art of vintage vino. There are countless activities in wine country, from guided bike tours and cellar visits to wine history lessons and cheese pairings. Get the full experience and board the hop-on hop-off Franschhoek Wine Tram. Sip your way through full-bodied reds and aromatic whites, while mulling over stories about the industry and the area.
Dine and dance on Long Street: When hunger strikes or you get the urge to dance, step into the nightlife in Cape Town’s epicenter. With its boho vibes, Long Street is crawling with restaurants, bars, and even some bookstores and coffee shops scattered in between. Nosh your way around the globe, from aromatic India to cheesy, saucy Italy to the steamy dim sum of China. As the sun sets on this strip, the sound of live music bursts from the bars and DJ beats entice you in for happy hour. Once you’ve danced up an appetite, late-night eats from street vendors are ready to satisfy.
Discover culture and history in Bo-Kaap: Away from the seaside, at the foot of Sugar Hill, you’ll stumble across Bo-Kaap, an area where the rainbow-colored homes stand side-by-side like crayons in a box. This neighborhood is the region’s hub for history and culture. Join a guided walking tour to learn about its Muslim roots. The Bo-Kaap Museum, which is one of the oldest buildings in the town, dates back to the 1760s, while the Auwal on Dorp Street is South Africa’s first mosque.
Shop, eat and people watch on Bree Street: Bakeries, wine bars, art galleries and renovated Victorian facades make this bustling street one of the most eclectic and vibrant in the city. Grab a cup of coffee and listen to your favorite tracks at a vinyl café, sip craft cocktails at hip bars, and snack on tapas or burgers in casual eateries.
Show off your kite skills or dabble in the wind on your next adventure in Cape Town. But don’t forget to take some time to explore what else the city has to offer.
GET AROUND
Airport transfers are typically £25 / €30 / US$45, but you really need a hire car to get around here as the public transport system (although getting better) is a little inconsistent for tourists. Hire cars should cost £20 / €23 / US$30 per day / £250 / €280 / US$400 per month. We use Acker Rentals (www.ackercarrentals.co.za) when the Kiteworld team visit, who offer classic Mercedes Benz and specialise in wind sport customer rentals.
Cape Town comes near the top of many a travel writer's list of recommended destinations and is renowned for great food and wine 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. The dining experience is fantastic for a fraction of the cost the equivalent meal would be back home. Well developed, there are shopping centres and supermarkets in Table View and Big Bay.
AIRPORT
Cape Town international airport (CPT) is 40 minutes from Table View.
TRAVEL AGENTS
KITEWORLDWIDE specialize in delivering extraordinary kitesurf holidays to exotic destinations while avoiding the tourist traps.
Planet Kitesurf Holidays specialise in luxury tailor‐made kitesurf holidays worldwide. Through its team of highly experienced kitesurf travel professionals, the company offers expert impartial advice, backed up by full ATOL and TTA financial protection. Planet Kitesurf belongs to the Planet Travel group, a market leader in active holidays since 2000.
KITEWORLDWIDE have a stylish ten bedroom mansion just 100 metres from Sunset Beach with huge living room, kitchen, braai and rooftop pool with views to the spot and Table Mountain. Kitesurfing courses, guidance, pro clinics with the likes of Best riders Youri Zoon, Lewis Crathern, Hannah Whiteley and more as well as full service travel packages. It’s also a Best Kiteboarding test centre.
