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Dance into the sky with a kite
Kiteboarding
Langebaan is a favourite spot for South African kite boarding.
© Chris Marais
Did you know?
It takes the average student about 6 2-hour lessons to get airborne.
Kiteboarding in South Africa is concentrated around the coastal areas, stretching from Cape Town, going up to Port Elizabeth and Durban. Surfers go where the waves are strong; kiteboarders follow the wind.
On any summer's day, when the wind blows, motorists line the roads to watch dozens of kiteboarders at play in the sky. When the world's best kiteboarders are in need of practise, this is where they come.
The relatively young sport of kiteboarding is an offshoot of windsurfing - a wind-assisted board-riding experience. Your feet are strapped to a board, you control your arch-shaped kite with two or four strings and remember: you're able to crash-land or de-power your kite anytime by just dropping the lines.
It's possible, if you live in a windy city by the coast, to teach yourself to kiteboard. But if you fancy trying it out in South Africa, you can choose from a number of kiteboarding schools to learn a few skills. The courses generally last up to two days and they can provide all the gear you need. And if you're an experienced kiteboarder looking to enhance your skills the schools can help to take you to the next level.
In Cape Town, much of the kiteboarding crowd can be found in Bloubergstrand. Not only do they practise their sport at Kite Beach, they can also be found socialising in the area's watering holes and restaurants. Even if you're a kite boarder, the good schools offer one-on-one lessons to take you to the next level.
Although Cape Town has some of the best kiteboarding beaches in South Africa, over the past few years the sport has grown in popularity on Durban's beaches and along Port Elizabeth's Sunshine Coast.
There are a number of beaches to choose from to get your kiteboarding fix, so be sure to ask a few locals about the best and safest sites.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Ocean2air Kitesurfing
Phone: +27 (0)31 562 8886/+27 (0)31 562 8886
Email: sales@ocean2air.co.za
Web: www.thekitesnest.com
Kitesurf School
Phone: +27 (0)82 081 67 04
Email: andries.kitesurfschool@gmail.com
Kitesports
Phone: +27 (0)82 572 4163
Email: info@kitesports.co.za
Web: www.kitesports.co.za
Windsports Paradise
Phone:+27 (0)82 957 5311/+27 (0)82 804 2996
Email: windsports.co.za@gmail.com
Web: www.windsports.co.za
How to get here
Hire a car and drive to any of the beaches around Cape Town or fly directly from any of South Africa's major cities to Port Elizabeth or Durban.
Around the area
The popular kiteboarding spots are close to local watering holes and restaurants, as well as a short drive away from major city centres.
What will it cost
Prices vary but a two-hour group lesson could cost approximately R495, while a private lesson will set you back around R890.
Length of stay
Take at least a few days to explore the beaches.
What to pack
Sunscreen, comfortable shoes. You can hire kiteboarding equipment from a number of companies.
Where to stay
The popular kiteboarding towns are Bloubergstrand, Langebaan, Jeffrey's Bay, Port Elizabeth, Durban coast.