Cape Town
South Africa
Why Visit?
Frequented by some of the planets top kitesurfers and home to the scintillating Red Bull King of the Air, Blouberg in Cape Town cannot fail to express through action just what an incredible place it is.
It is infamous for its strong & reliable wind from December through to February. The shoulder months of November and March are often also excellent; some may consider them better than the primary season due to a lower number of people on the water. The wind blows around five days per week between 20 – 40 knots characteristically kicking in lightly around 10 am and building consistently throughout the day until by 4 pm when its indeed blowing its socks off.
There is a multitude of beaches to ride on along the 10-15km long stretch of coastline which runs from South to North begins at Sunset Beach and continues to Big Bay or even further for the more adventurous. These collections of sandy beaches make for some seriously good downwinder opportunities.
If kitesurfing is not the only thing on the agenda, then Cape Town and its surrounding area could not have more to offer for the outdoor enthusiasts through the more sedate thrills for those who don’t consider themselves to be an adrenalin junkie. Spectacular scenery, unique coffee culture or awe-inspiring vineyards name just a few of the highlights.
Wind and Weather
The climate here is immense. The day time temperature is in its high and dry 20’ to early ’30s, perfect for boardies, bikini’s and flip flops while in the evening it can cool down in the breeze and you might need a pair of jeans or a hoody. It makes for a good nights sleep as temperatures at night are cool and pleasant. The other thing to note is the sun is very strong, so a strong suncream is essential. The water temperature is cool and refreshing, so bring a 4 or 5mm wetsuit.
Getting Around
You can avoid hiring a car in Cape Town if you choose accommodation wisely on the beachfront in Big Bay or Blouberg, but hiring a car is highly recommended because there is just so much to see, do and ride during your stay.
Check out avis.co.za and budget.co.za for some reputable car hire companies based at the airport, or many of the kitesurfers choose to rent from some more local firms including bizzycarhire.co.za and rentacheapie.co.za
Food and Drink
There are a huge range of cafes and restaurants throughout Big Bay, Blouberg and Capetown where you can choose any dish you wish from fast food pizza or Nando’s through to top quality locally caught fish and seafood and mouth-watering steaks of beef, springbok, kudu and ostrich.
Some good restaurants to try are Carne in Capetown fora great steak, Paranga in Camps Bay for great seafood, Black Sheep on Kloof St for a variety of South African dishes & Primi Piatti in Table view where there is something for everyone. Further top tips are head to Melissas in Table view for breakfast and Carlucci's in Blouberg for lunch.
No Wind?
Blouberg and its surrounding area are just immense. Some no wind time is essential. The area is outstandingly beautiful. Choose between cliff top drives along Chapman's peak to Cape point, up-close experiences with baboons, mountain biking in Stellanbosch, climbing/hiking up Table Mountain, vibrant markets such as The Old Biscuit Mill open on Saturday mornings in Capetown or Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay. Don’t forget the green and mountainous wine regions of Franschhoek and Stellnbosch, plus there is always a party to be found as the sun goes down.
Internet
The only downside to Capetown is its surprisingly poor Internet. Many of the accommodation options do not come with Wi-Fi, but there are plenty of cool cafes to head to such as Carluccio's in Blouberg to get your online hit. No matter where you go the Internet is pretty slow.
Accommodation
There is a multitude of places from 5 bedroom self-catering houses which you can find on gumtree or other online accommodation guides such as capestay.co.za through to various budget hostels such as that on capetownguru.com or the more luxurious hostel of capetownkiteclub.com. Prices range from £10 per night in a hostel up to £200 per night for a good quality 4/5 bedroom house.
Crime
South Africa is well known for crime, but this is often considered by people who have not yet been to Cape Town as worse then it is. You need to keep your common sense about you as you would in any major city, but once you have landed into Cape Town International, you will realise that crime isn’t as large a topic as some people may think.
Top tips are: don’t leave your car with valuables in, be careful in Cape Town after dark especially if you have had a few drinks, plus be sensible at night in Blouberg to. Also, ensure you keep your windows and doors locked when you are out of the house. Following these common-sense rules of thumb, it is unlikely that you will feel threatened in Blouberg.
Flights
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By Jo Wilson
Jo rides for North Kiteboarding and runs a Kitesurfing Coaching & Holidays business travelling around the world to various destinations running coaching trips wherever she goes. Her successful South African Adventure Holiday has been running since 2010 during January & February where Jo mixes up freestyle coaching in the flat water lagoon of Langebaan through to riding at the various spots of Blouberg.
Been to Cape Town? What did you think?
Where are the Best Kitesurfing Beaches in Cape Town?
Best if the wind is forecasted SW or NW. Cross onshore providing flat water between good size kickers. The kickers roll in over a sandy base all the way to the shore.
- Wind: Cross on from the left when SW and cross on from the right if NW
- Waves: Yes
- Shorebreak: Small
The wind usually builds here first in the mornings. It often provides the cleanest / largest waves along the Blouberg coast. It’s probably the main windsurfing beach along this coastline although the windsurfers will not be here when the wind is quite light. The wind is often gusty on the inside, but it makes for some great down the line wave riding or start point for downwinders. Watch out the car park is probably the riskiest one along the strip so don’t leave anything on show inside the car while you are out on the water.
- Wind: Cross off from the left
- Waves: Good
- Shorebreak: Can be sizeable
This beach usually has the flattest water between the kickers especially when the tide is higher. It has a sandy base, clean wind and a beautiful sandy beach for launching and landing. The car park is manned, so feels like a good safe option for kiting. You will almost always find people here for some other kitesurfing company.
- Wind: Cross-shore from the left
- Waves: Medium
- Shorebreak: Small
The water can be a little more choppy here than at Dolphin Beach, but its often less busy then Dolphin while just as safe. The waves can be perfect here when a decent swell is running.
- Wind: Cross-shore from the left
- Waves: Medium
- Shorebreak: Small
The beach here is small and steep so there can be a decent shore dump to contend with, but there are great kickers and its often quite quiet if you are finding it too busy elsewhere. Doodles are the pub that overlooks it which does great pizzas and has an epic happy hour to drink half price ‘sundowners’ when you fall off the water. Its outside area means you can even come in straight off the beach and still in your wetsuit. Days to look out for are: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm-8pm.
- Wind: Cross from the left
- Waves: Medium
- Shorebreak: Big especially at high tide
Big Bay is a popular kite spot with large flat sections between the waves, especially at high tide. It is backed by a large tourist complex called Eden on the Bay which is full of cafes, restaurants, kite shops and more. It has a very cosmopolitan feel when off the water and is a great place to hang out between sessions. Its great view and grassy area also make it a good family hang out for you to grab a quick hour or two while your other half and the kids watch on eagerly. Its also the beach that plays host to the annual RedBull King of the Air – kitesurfing’s most spectacular big air competition.
Things to note are: the beach for launching and landing can be small, particularly at high tide and there are some rocks to watch out for downwind. The wind is less reliable the further you head away from table mountain, so when Sunset beach is blowing Big Bay can often be between 5-10 knots less making it an excellent choice for the afternoons.
- Wind: Cross on from the left
- Waves: Medium - Good
- Shorebreak: Small
To access Calmers, you would launch as if you were going to ride at Big Bay. It’s the spot downwind of the Big Bay rocks. The waves often clean up nicely here and so it is often the place of choice for wave riders. Watch out this beach can get busy and many people either do not know the rights of way rules or do not care, so you will need to be prepared if it’s a busy day.
- Wind: Cross-shore from the left
- Waves: Good – Very Good
- Shorebreak: Small
There is almost one continuous beach as you travel further North from Calmers with a variety of spots to ride. There are also several car parks to base yourself from. These car parks overlook each spot and are obvious from the main road. The beaches are all usually considered to be wave riding beaches which have some rock slabs on the water's edge to watch out for. You can see these as soon as you step on the beach, but they are easily avoidable in your session. The further North you head from calmers the more deserted the beaches become so that you can be quite sure of a fairly quiet session. The waves on these beaches can often be bigger then the main kitesurfing spots mentioned, but you will need to check them out to see how the waves are breaking because it can be different depending on the day.
- Wind: Cross from the left – Cross off from the left
- Waves: Perfect
- Shorebreak: Sizeable
When is the Best Time to go Kitesurfing in Cape Town?
The windy months to go kitesurfing in Cape Town are January, February, March, April, November, December
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Kitesurfing Articles that Mention Cape Town
Issue 85
What happened in South Africa this year? Instead of analysing the King of the Air results, we’re taking a closer look at police interactions with kiters. Rather than a busy big air season in Blouberg, the locals are looking for outlets for civil disobedience. Get the inside scoop on the past year in Cape Town in this feature article!
Issue 85
The best photos with nowhere else to go!
Issue 84
Aaron Hadlow is undoubtedly the most well-known kiteboarder in the world with his innovative style and a mile-long list of titles and awards. In this feature, Jen Tyler takes Aaron for a walk down memory lane and checks in on what’s been happening during this unusual year! Read now to find out what’s going on in the house of Hadlow!
Issue 83
After dominating the podium at the King Of The Air event, the North Big Air Team of Jesse Richman, Marc Jacobs, Nick Jacobsen, Graham Howes and Tom Bridge go in search of secret spots in South Africa. Check them out boosting to the moon!
Issue 81
Ewan Jaspan takes on the Naish team orders in South Africa to deliver the goods under the shadow of Table Mountain. Find out what it takes to get a video and photoshoot done when the wind is nuking, the riders are frothing, and the sand is destroying everything.
Issue 80
Oswald Smith, the hell man from South Africa, drops in for a chat this issue, this talented rider is an all-round nice guy too. Find out what makes him tick right here!
Issue 80
More incredible images with no place to call home, check them out!
Issue 79
Incredible images with no particular place to go.
Issue 75
Incredible images with no particular place to go.
Issue 74
Cape Town has become a mecca for kiters over the last few years, events like the King Of The Air have put it on the map like no other place on earth. Is it all it is cracked up to be though? Rou Chater makes the trip to find out what the fuss is all about!
Issue 74
Incredible images with no particular place to go.
Issue 73
Luke McGillewie is a ripper from South Africa who knows the area around Cape Town like the back of his hand. He gets our Ten Questions this issue!
Issue 73
Incredible images with no particular place to go.
Issue 69
Go behind the scenes with Aaron Hadlow and filmmaker Laci Kobulsky as we investigate their new project, TWENTY, a full-length kiteboarding film. Get to know these two a little bit more and find out about possibly the biggest kite movie of the year by checking out the article!
Issue 67
Spoiler Alert: Kevin Langeree is the 2018 Red Bull King of the Air champion! However, it’s 2018, and the news about Kevin’s victory has already saturated the web. We go beyond a simple event recap, unpacking the drama and examining the factors that make Red Bull King of the Air the best day on the calendar for kiteboarding fans around the planet.
Issue 66
Images with no particular place to go.
Issue 62
Rou Chater investigates the rising phenomena of kiting in stronger winds with bigger kites, the rising accidents and even deaths and looks at how we can protect ourselves and manage risk to stay safe.
Issue 61
We are all different, and that's what makes life so interesting. Find out what strange things can happen when you take a bunch of pro riders and head out into the wilds of Africa to do a photo shoot…
Kitesurfing Videos and News in Cape Town
10 months ago
Capetown calling! Dive into two weeks of adventure with Baptiste Bourdoulous and Aris Agianoukos behind the camera. What a country!
2 years ago
It's a goodie! King Of The Air (KOTA) marked its 10th anniversary last Saturday, November 26th,, with gusts exceeding 50 knots, the strongest winds recorded...
2 years ago
Cape Town you are epic! - Edwin Haighton
4 years ago
'Green North Orbit Guy' may just be the most wanted criminal of 2021. While South Africa has been in a Level 3 lockdown with beaches...
4 years ago
5 minutes of PURE wave action! Welcome to the Southside of Cape Town, South Africa. There is much more to Cape Town's kiting season than...
5 years ago
The Red Bull Megaloop entry videos are flooding in - let us know what you think of Antonin Ragin's kite loops in Cape Town!
5 years ago
It's that time of the year already and the big air kiteboarding season is upon us! The whole kiteboarding industry floods to Cape Town for...
5 years ago
Let the countdown begin!
5 years ago
On the hunt for wind and waves, Kevin and Jalou Langeree team up on this KEVVLOG episode - Enjoy! Extra footage by Ryan Osmand
5 years ago
It's the last day to get those videos submitted! Steven Akkersdijk had to dig up some older footage due to an injury he's been overcoming,...
5 years ago
The madness continues - Watch Graham Howes 2020 Red Bull King of the Air entry video!
5 years ago
Savage riding from Ross Dillon, Josh Emmanuel, Jason van der Spuy and Gijs Wassenaar. With the winds battering around the 40-knot mark, some of the...
6 years ago
Stuart Downey stepped on to the top step of the podium with Naish teammates Vetea Boersma to the left and Tomas Aguirre to the right...
6 years ago
We're taking you back to 2010, #rememberwhen Youri and the Slingshot crew ventured to South Africa hitting the best lagoon on offer!
6 years ago
Martin Ridderfors is still floating on all of the memories from Cape Town this season - check out this compilation from some of his most memorable...
6 years ago
Sam Light just dopped VLOG #5 from his weekend of shredding in Cape Town. In this vlog, Sam recommends some tips on accommodation, where to...
6 years ago
Welcome to the RRD international kite team Patrick Mc Creanor! Where did you grow up? I grew up and met kiteboarding 10 years ago in...
7 years ago
'Sending It in the Cape' the final episode of On The Fly Season 2. Check it ouuuttt!! Ruben Lenten produces the goods again with another...