Cape Town kitesurfing spot guide

Our lodge is situated a short walk (100 metres) from Big Bay - one of the best beaches for kitesurfing in Cape Town. Simply walk down the street, pump up and go. Best wind direction: SE, SW.

(Listed South to North)

Sunset Beach: popular with windsurfers also (best practice is to stay out of their way). Can be a bit gusty so be careful on launch. Can be a bit cross off (take care) but often comes back “on” as the coast curves around. Best wind direction: SE, S, SW.

Dolphin Beach: popular with the rippers and pros on big wind days. Park at the car park by the Dolphin Beach hotel, or one car park down. Works best on SE, S, SW.

Kite Beach: This is the beach between Jerrys (burger place) and Pakalols (bar). Works best on SE, S, SW.

Doodles: This is the stretch of beach opposite the Blauwberg Beach Hotel and Doodles bar next door. Works best on SE, S, SW. Beware the semi-submerged rocks just North of this spot before you turn the corner towards Big Bay. Best wind direction: SE, S and SW.

Big Bay: Here you can kite directly in front of our lodge. Lovely setup with a mixture of flat water and waves. There are two swim zones to keep clear of: The first is Klein Baai (Small Bay) which is the tempting flat water left (South) of the rocks. The local swimming community respectfully requests that we keep clear. The second is the lifeguarded zone in front of the life guard station (see the yellow-red flags). Keep well clear of this area whether or not the lifeguards are there and the swimmers/surfers. It is OK to tack out and pass behind.Best wind direction: SE, S and SW.

Kamers: This is the stretch of water immediately North of the Big Bay rocks / seal island. There is a nice wave setup jhere and flat water closer to the beach. Please remember your wave-surfing etiquette and give way to riders with priority on the wave.

Horsetrails to Holbai: this is a lovely six kilometre stretch of ocean that we enjoy as a downwinder with Club guests. Conditions vary from flat water (at Horsetrails) to big jacked up waves at Derdesteen and Hakgut especially on windier days and when there is a swell. You can also access the coast from various car parks at Erstesteen, Derdesteen, Kreeftebaai, Kelpbaai and Hakgut. There is a stretch of rocks from Kreeftebaai to Hakgut so ride with care past those. Holbai is the last “out” and you can see the car park lighting lamposts from the water - when you see those it’s time to exit. Best wind direction: SE, S and SW. Can kite in a NW.

Melkbos and VanStrand: These names are short for Melkbosstrand and Van Riebeck Strand. These two beaches are about 12 minute’s drive North of Big Bay. They are most popular when the wind switches round to the NW.

Langebaan: About 1 hour’s drive North of Big Bay (if you pay to take the shortcut through the National Park) or 1 hour 15 (if you take the long way around avoiding the park). Shark Bay is a delight of flat water and vibrant blue colours. Since 2021 there has been a toilet block, showers and a cafe. Take a hat and sunscreen as there are few places to hide from the intense sun. Main beach is often slightly windier but the water is often choppier. Best wind direction: SE, S, SW.

Witsand (Misty Cliffs): This is a wave spot South of the City. Park on the road above the beach and walk down the path. There can be big waves here. Beware baboons (don’t leave food in your car). Due to the rocks either side and the big waves this is an intermediate to expert spot only. Best wind directions: SE, S, SW but also works on a NW (clean waves).

Not to be confused with …

Witsand (Breede River): This is a completely different spot … about 3h 45m drive from Cape Town. Don’t go to the wrong one (!). Due to the travel distance many people will arrange an overnight stay. This is a flat water spot where you kite either side of a sand bar at the mouth of the Breede River. There are bull sharks in the river, so kite at your own risk and be good at body-dragging(!)

Scarborough: This is a popular wave spot South of Cape Town. Quite a small spot so it fills up quickly in peak season. Best wind direction: SE, S, SW and NW.

Platboom: This is a lovely beach in the Cape Point Nature Reserve (you will need to pay a park entrance fee). Beware baboons (don’t leave food in your car). The scenery and natural beaty is amazing. Also popular with windsurfers. Best wind direction: SE, S, SW.

Macassar: For safety and security reasons we recommend against kiting here unless accompanied by experienced locals.

Hermanus: This is a lovely lagoon about 2 hour’s drive South of Cape Town. Don’t forget to stop for a delicious pie and coffee from one of the farm stalls as you drive through Grabouw. Our favourite is “Peregrine farm stall” but they are all good. You park up at Grotto Beach Parking. You can kite both in the lagoon and cross over the sand to kite in the sea. There are public use braai (BBQ) pits and toilet facilities. Best wind direction: SE.

Brandvlei dam: This is a spot 1h 30m drive inland. Fresh water kiting on a dam. Best wind direction: NW.