Kite Surfing

Kite Surfing in South Africa

The winds of the South African coast may drive seasoned beach-goers indoors, but they make for the perfect conditions for kite surfers that want to take to the waves, driven only by the power of the wind. The strong, steady winds of parts of this country make it a prime kite surfing destination.

Did you know? Cape Town is considered one of the best kite surfing destinations in the world and profesional kite surfers from around the world converge on Cape Town annually from October to March to train.

Kite surfing is a growing sport in South Africa, with local and international professionals and water sports enthusiasts making this their kiting destination of choice. The Red Bull King of the Air™ is an annual competition that was started in Hawaii, but has since been moved to Big Bay in Cape Town. This is a contest between the world's hottest kite surfers, who recognise this as being a top water sporting spot for its perfect conditions.

This sport involves standing on a kite board or surfboard, which skims the water's surface as it and its rider are pulled along by a kite. The surfer wears a harness, and holds onto a bar, which he uses to direct the kite, making the best use of the wind. When the conditions are right, experienced kiters can ride for hundreds of metres and may even jump several storeys into the air before making a relatively soft landing back on the water.

Cape Town has the fantastic combination of ideal seas and strong winds, making it a hotspot for kite surfing. The clean, consistent winds combine with the availability of local Cape Town accommodation, tourist attractions and kitesurfing schools to guarantee some of the best kiting in South Africa. Bloubergstrand is, undoubtedly, Cape Town's most popular kiting spot. On any windy day, dozens of colourful kites can be seen along this part of the Atlantic Ocean. Muizenberg, right on the other side of the Mother City, is another popular spot for harnessing the power of the wind and surging through the waters.

Langebaan's scenic lagoon is situated up the Cape West Coast and is internationally recognised as being one of the top boardsailing venues in the world. The mornings usually start out calm and wind-free, but the wind picks up by about noon, making for perfect kitesurfing conditions.

Many of the local guest houses in Langebaan are geared up for kite surfers, some even offering gear-drying areas in the rooms. (See Langebaan accommodation for more options).

Along the Garden Route (and just outside its borders), a number of world-renowned kitesurfing spots dot the shores. Witsand, along the Breede River, has flat water, great wind, and waves further out to sea. This perfect combination lures kiters from all over the world to test these conditions out.

The vast stretches of the white Myoli Beach in Sedgefield are irresistible for kite surfers, who can tackle the massive swells before spending some time at the acclaimed local kite shop, Pili Pili, which also happens to serve cold beer and excellent pizza.

Further east of the Garden Route is the Kabeljous River of Jeffrey's Bay, the Kromme River at St Francis Bay, and the Gamtoos Beach. Each of these is extraordinary for its incredible wind and waves, as well as for the warm waters of the Indian Ocean that lap this shore.

Port Elizabeth is aptly known as the 'windy city'. King's Beach and Sardinia Bay are excellent kitesurfing spots. King's Beach is a swimming beach that boasts a long stretch of golden sand and good waves. Sardinia Bay, affectionately known as Sards, is a bit wilder, promising some rewarding time tackling the waves.

There are top-notch kite surfing schools in Durban, Cape Town, Langebaan, Witsand, Knysna, and even the inland metropolis of Johannesburg. Personal instruction, experienced instructors, and all of the necessary equipment is provided to ensure that even beginners can take to the sea in no time.

South Africa is the ideal destination for seasoned kite surfers or beginners to feel the adrenaline pumping as they glide over breakers and experience an exhilarating ride.