Category: Cape Town

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Kitesurfing Spots in Cape Town

Kitesurfing-Cape-Town

Cape Town is known one of the best kitesurfing destinations worldwide with its combination of consistent winds and perfect spots. Kitesurfing in Cape Town is about variety making it different than most other kitesurfing locations in the world. Cape Town is the perfect combination of the vibrant city vibe, the breathtaking landscape, the remarkable beaches, and reliable wind conditions. Cape Town offers flat waters, downwind spots, small waves, high waves, warm and cool waters making it ideal for all types of kite surfers whether beginner or pro. It offers more than 30 superb kitesurfing beaches with a huge variety of conditions. Cape Town area is home to many beaches that do not only boast fantastic kitesurfing conditions but breathtaking natural beauty too. The wind conditions in and around Cape Town are very reliable with wind speeds usually between 20-30 knots with the strongest wind coming between 2 and 6 in the evenings. Because of this, professionals from all over the globe come to Cape Town to train for kitesurfing events.

Big Bay

Known for strong winds, flat sections between the waves and great waves which are sheltered by the rocks, Big Bay is one of the most popular spots to kitesurf in Cape Town. The beach at Big Bay is wide, slightly ebbing, which means perfect conditions for kitesurfing beginners. But on windy days, Big Bay is more for advanced kitesurfers. Big bay is a favorite for kitesurfers, surfers, windsurfers, bodyboarders and anybody who is looking for a good day at the beach. It can get crowded at times. Kitesurfers have a designated area to the right of the rocks and should steer clear of the no kite zone reserved for swimmers and surfers within the bay itself. Surrounding the Big Bay are parking lots, bars and kite shops offering kite lessons.

kitesurfing

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is obviously the most popular kitesurfing spot in Cape Town. It is one of the first kitesurfing spots on the west coast stretch. It is also one of the main kitesurf spots with a good rising tide building and the best wind coming in the late afternoon. Sunset Beach a great place to start a downwind kite session and is one of the main reasons why many kitesurfers come to South Africa. The wind in Sunset Beach usually picks up around noon and gets more intense over the day. During peak season, Sunset Beach can get really crowded.

Langebaan

Langebaan is the place of the beginner kitesurfer. The spot offers butter flat water conditions making it perfect for some very relaxed kitesurfing which is ideal for freestyle junkies and learners. It is also a great practice ground for advanced kitesurfers to improve flat surface tricks. Langebaan’s two main kite areas are Shark Bay and Main Beach. Shark Bay is named after the harmless small sand sharks. Here, the wind blows offshore and wind conditions are constant. The conditions in Shark Bay offers beginners and advanced kitesurfers a perfect terrain to practice their skills. Main Beach, on the other hand, has a wide, white sandy beach and the wind blows mainly offshore. The wind in Main Beach is usually stronger here than in Shark Bay. Langebaan offers good facilities, including a kitesurf school with a rental service, and several good restaurants and bars you’ll find.

kitesurfing spots in cape town

Muizenberg

Muizenberg is a beach-side suburb of Cape Town is situated where the shore of the Cape Peninsula curves round to the east on the False Bay. It offers a large stretch of uncrowded beach of several kilometers swept by consistent, onshore wind. Muizenberg is the windiest kitesurfing spot in Cape Town and is considered to be the birthplace of surfing in South Africa. The wind in Muizenberg blows directly onshore and the water is warm, with safe beach break waves. A typical Kitesurfing summers day in Muizenberg has about 15-18 knots wind in the morning, picking up progressively to 25-30 knots in the afternoon.

Kite Beach

Kite Beach, from the name itself, is the most popular places to kite. It is known for its amazing kitesurfing and windsurfing opportunities. It has great conditions for kitesurfing, with a wide sandy beach, consistent winds and a good mix of water types. Kite Beach has 360° scenic view including the famous Table Mountain and Robben Island. Kite Beach has plenty of parking, wide space to launch your kite, a number of kite shops and restaurants nearby.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Kitesurfing: An Adventure in the Sun and Waves

To those of you who have been looking for an adrenaline rush in the beach for your next getaway, I suggest you do a fun and a little different water sport, kitesurfing. A sport that can be done with the waves on a sunny beach. But this sport is not for the lazy. This adrenaline fueled activity should be taught by a professional and not just learned in your own way. Kitesurfing is a sport that uses a modified surfboard for a person to ride on while holding on to a kite that is specially designed for you to ride on the waves. It is actually a hybrid of surfing and parasailing.

The Basics

You should know the basics of kitesurfing. It is not a one-time learning sport like surfing but a series of classes kind of sport. The knowledge of this sport is very important for handling the kite to maintaining your balance between the kite and the surfboard. So, you need an IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization) certified Kitesurfing school with an IKO qualified kiteboarding instructor. This is important as this is also a dangerous sport. Some people who do engage in this sport do get into accidents and learning from the professionals will help you prevent that.

kitesurfing

Equipment

Kitesurfing should be used with the proper equipment. First, you need a kite. Not just any kite, the special kite that can generate enough pull for kitesurfing. You want one that is big and easily controlled for your needs. Every person is different so you have to consider what you need as a kitesurfer. There are many types of kites like the inflatable kites, the bow kite/flat inflatable kite, framed single skin kite and the Ram Air Foil Kite. Choose the best one that is available to you and one that you can handle well. Second, are the lines that hold your kite. It should be something strong and can adapt to water. Third, the kite control device that has a safety release system. This allows you to let go of the kite without the hassle of you scrambling to look for a way let go of the kite. Fourth, is the modified surfboard that lets you do drive around the water. Fifth is your life vest and other safety gear like a wet suit and a helmet.

Where can you do this sport?

This water sport can be spotted in beaches especially in beaches that have good weather conditions to surf. One of these beaches is Cape Town’s Big Bay in South Africa which was the host of the “Red Bull King of Air.” Or in Hawaii, where beaches and water sports usually meet.

How to have fun?

There are many ways to have fun in this sport. One, by learning the sport itself. Of course, you can’t just ride a board without learning it first and while attending to meet new friends and discover new places. Two, by enjoying the sport itself. You will enjoy the rush that it gives you when you are on the board maintaining your balance as the sea water splashes your face and the wind gushing over your body. Third, go to events. You will appreciate it more with the competitions that you will attend you will know cool people who had made this not only their sport of choice but also a passion that they share to other people. Furthermore, you will appreciate the people who made this sport possible and alive until today.

So, go have fun, enjoy the sun and never forget to put sunscreen! Kitesurfing is a great sport that you can be passionate and enjoy on the beach.

Posted on by

Red Bull King of the Air: Day 2

Powerful winds and enormous waves have been hitting Big Bay and finally, it appears like the "Red Bull King Of The Air" will have the settings it needs. The wind is over 30 knots, the waves are getting huge, and the contenders are eager for action. They have been patiently waiting since Wednesday for the competition to kick off once again!

After finishing the 1st round and several heats of Round 2 on Wednesday, Sunday’s finals will start off with Heat 9. This particular heat was delayed last Wednesday because of insufficient wind; obviously the moment the green flag was raised the contestants were eager to jump in the water! It was a sudden death round; a single rider will be flagged out after 9 minutes of the 15 heats, and the 2 contenders left will fight it out to get a place in round 3.

Round 2 began with Sam Light getting a few massive unhooked airs as well as mega loops. Marc Jacobs began with an enormous dangle pass and a few intense mega loops to get his first score on the board. Youri Zoon actually entered into the game a bit late but kicked of with a great mega loop straight away and jumped onto the scoreboard! At the end, the judges granted Heat 9 to Marc Jacobs. Heat 10 was given to Willem, flagging out Steven Akkersidjk. Oli Sweeney who pulled off a huge mega loop and got the opportunity to prove himself in the third round.

Round 3 includes 4 riders in every heat, one will get flagged out right after 9 minutes, 3 remain on however only 2 riders move through. In heat 11, Lasse Walker had taken the win launching off some humungous airs with huge mega loops while Andries Fourie, the local South African, placed 2nd, giving the crowd a great mega loop right on the inside. Heat 12 was truly one to watch. Tom Hebert together with his New Calidonian Style – “Keeping It Stlyish” comes up against local favourite Oswald Smith, Brazilian Reno Romeu and former champion and all round hangtime and board off expert Kevin Langeree. Oswald Smith kicked off with a few huge mega loops right in the beginning, however he’s is up against the technical assault of Kevin Langeree and his 10 metre kite. At the end the judges score it having Kevin Langeree in the first place while Reno sneaked into second place with a las tminute move.

Heat 13 was opened up by Lewis, who's recently been training hard especially for this event. There was clearly a close battle in between Nick Jacobsen and Aaron Hadlow as well as, however Aaron has the draw card of his well-known mega loop KGB that he can only do. It is a good thing as Nick Jacobsen’s moves are huge and stylish like his big one-footed mega loop. In the end, Lewis takes the sought after first place while Aaron in second place. This could have basically been a final. Heat 14 was a great fight between Jesse Richman, the hot favorite for this particular heat, however you can’t be certain when Marc Jacobs and Alex Pastor are in the water too. Let’s not underestimate the newbie to the event Gijs Wassenaar who had a fantastic heat on the first round to advance directly to Round 3! Heat 14 concluded having Jesse in the number one spot, Jacobs in 2nd and advancing towards the semi-finals with Gijs banished to the beach for the rest of the day.

SEMI FINALS

Heat 15 was really a fight in between Lasse Walker, Aaron Hadlow, Kevin Langaree and Marc Jacobs. Kevin opened up early on having a solid kite loop and that landed extremely smoothly. Lasse takes action having a huge mega loop however Aaron Hadlow retorted with a massive stalled mega loop which happens to be the highest kite loop for that heat! Kevin Langeree took the heat, and Aaron just does enough to get into 2nd place. Lasse Walker had a huge crash and had to be saved by the rescue boat and taken to hospital to make sure he was ok. Everyone was wondering why Marc Jacobs was using a North Vegas during the heat, but it turned out that his kite burst right before his.

Heat 16 started with Jesse showed going for broke with having a massive triple back roll spanning a the entire distance of Big Bay while his kite helicoptered above his head, while Reno hits a massive kite loop and lands it ellegantly. A moment later, Lewis opts for a massive kite loop however lands a huge crash.

Lewis was in serious trouble, but luckily his fellow contestants came to his rescue. Andries Fourie played a big part, and actually ended up body dragging Lewis into the beach. Eventually the life gaurds made it to Lewis and got him on a stretcher to get him off the beach.

Lewis had to head to the hospital. The competition was then delayed for more than one hour while everyone waited for the ambulances to return so that a full safety contingent could be present on the beach. Once the heat started again, Jesse launched a massive double back roll, Reno opened up his efforts having an unbelievably high kite loop while Andries gets on the board having a high mega loop along with a tail grab. The outcome was that Jesse did enough to win the judges over, Reno advanced into the final while Andries had to accept third, and fifth overall once again.

FINALS

With the wind still pumping, and several big wave kickers rolling into the bay the audience was going going insane! This is what everyone had been waiting for. 3 King Of The Air champions (Aaron Hadlow, Kevin Langeree and Jesse Richman) in the very same heat and a keen Brazilian (Reno Romeu) out to take some heads. The final battle was obviously a hard one to decide, Jesse made some great kite loop handle passes that would score well, Aaron used his trademark kite loop KGB, that nobody else has been able to do despite Mark Jacobs and Oswald trying, and Kevin as always busting huge.

Finally we had our results. Kevin received the Mystic Move Of The Event with his mega loop front roll 1 footer and 3rd palce. Aaron Hadlow once who is named the "2016 Red Bull King Of The Air winner" and defends his title and is the first person to win two titles or two in a row!

Results are as follows:

1st: Aaron Hadlow

2nd: Jesse Richman

3rd: Kevin Lanagree

4th: Reno Romeu

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Quality Kitesurfing Lessons in Cape Town

Kitesurfing-Cape-Town

Do you want to learn how to go kitesurfing? There are so many people in Cape Town who want to be able to do this but just can’t seem to find the right program to join. It is not hard when you go with the best in town as that is the best option for you. Let’s take a look at the finest kitesurfing lessons Cape Town has to offer and the value you are going to get out of them as soon as you begin. It simply does not get better than this for you.

Professional

Don’t you want to go with those who are going to understand the importance of time management and doing things the right way? Don’t you want those who are going to customize the lessons in order to ensure you are getting full value out of each tip that is being given? This is what you will appreciate the most at the end of the day and what you should be going for. Those who don’t do this are the ones who are not going to learn kitesurfing the way it should be learned.

Focus on going with those who are highly professional and will put in the time for you.

Proven

Always go with those who are proven because you are not going to want an instructor who is not able to pinpoint this and get the job done. It will simply get in the way and you are not going to be content at all. You should always be looking at this whenever you get a chance because the moment you don’t, it is going to have an impact on your confidence and that is the last thing you will desire. Go with a proven instructor and watch as you learn the intricacies immediately.

Safe

You should always be going with those who are safe with the methods they are using because it will make a difference. You will feel confident when you start kitesurfing and that alone is reason enough to make sure this is being considered.

Don’t go with those who are going to be in a rush and are not going to focus in on what you want right away. This is not worth it and is the last thing you should be looking at as time goes on.

Modern Techniques

Kitesurfing lessons Cape Town has to offer is something you are going to love, but only if you are learning all of the modern techniques that are on offer. What is the point of going with a program that is not going to be modern? You are just not going to like it and that is the last thing you will crave.

Always be patient in this regard because the value is going to go through the roof right away.

You are going to truly appreciate the lessons you are getting when you go with the finest in Cape Town. The professionalism will shine through.

Wonderful Locations

Kitesurfing has to be about the locations as those are going to have a role to play as well. This is a wonderful part of South Africa and you will be able to enjoy the sport to its fullest in these waters. It does not matter where you are, Cape Town is the place to be for kitesurfing. So, why not take your lessons in this beautiful locale? It is going to simply add to the experience and that is never a bad thing. It is going to bring a smile to your face.

Kitesurfing lessons Cape Town has to offer begin and end with the level of knowledge the instructor has because there are so many nuances you are going to need to learn. It does not simply come easily and many people assume this at first when that is not the case at all. The goal has to be to learn the ins and outs of this process before going into the water and truly getting a look into what you are doing. This is when you will realize the power of a great kitesurfing program that will guide you through the sport and how it works.