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Cape Town
What you need to know

SSouth African kitesurfing popularity is all thanks to the winds, and it takes place everywhere on the coast. But if you’re looking for kitesurfing central, head straight to Cape Town and drive north to Langebaan. And if you don’t know how to kitesurf yet, join a school. 

Kitesurfing 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; kitesurfers follow the wind. 

On any summer's day, when the wind blows, motorists line the roads to watch dozens of kitesurfers at play in the sky. When the world's best kitesurfers are in need of practice, this is where they come. 

The relatively young sport of kitesurfing 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 2 or 4 strings and remember: you're able to crash-land or de-power your kite any time by just dropping the lines. 

It's possible, if you live in a windy city by the coast, to teach yourself to kitesurf. But if you fancy trying it out in South Africa, you can choose from a number of kitesurfing schools to learn a few skills. The courses generally last up to 2 days and provide all the gear you need. If you're an experienced kitesurfer or kiteboarder looking to enhance your skills, the schools can help to take you to the next level. 

In Cape Town, much of the kitesurfing 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.  

Although Cape Town has some of the best kitesurfing 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 kitesurfing fix, so be sure to ask a few locals about the best and safest sites. 

Did You Know?

TTravel tips & planning  info 

Who to contact 

South African Kitesurfing Association (SAKA) 

Tel: +27 (0)82 903 4456 

Email: info@saka.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. 

Best time to visit 

It's windy all-year round in Cape Town, however, the best winds hit the coast between October and March. 

Things to do 

The popular kiteboarding spots are close to local watering holes and restaurants, as well as a short drive away from major city centres. There are also loads of other watersports do try out. 

What will it cost? 

Prices vary but a 2-hour group lesson should cost around R500, while a private lesson will set you back around R1 000. 

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, Jeffreys Bay, Port Elizabeth and Durban. 

 

Related links 

 

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