Unraveling the Kitesurfing Wonders in and Around Cape Town, South Africa

Nestled along the breathtaking coastline of South Africa lies Cape Town, a paradise for kitesurfing enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline-infused escape. With its diverse landscapes, reliable winds, and an array of kitesurfing hotspots, Cape Town beckons adventure seekers to ride the waves against the backdrop of majestic mountains and pristine shores.

For those wanting to extend their stay in South Africa, make sure to check out our guide on how to extend your 90 day visa!

Basic Kitesurfing Info

• Best Months to Go: November to March

• Best Wind Direction: Southeast works best at Blouberg, but it's largely dependent on spot. See more info below.

• Average Wind Speed: Ranges from 15 to 30+ knots, ensuring thrilling rides for enthusiasts

• Local Resources Cape Town Digital Nomads Facebook group

• Bring a thicker wetsuit (3/4mm minimum) and your smaller kites. A surfboard would be great too!

• How to Get Around: We recommend getting a car if you're planning to stay for a while since the kite spots aren't necessary close by. We've used RentACheapie to book our car. You can also use the MyCiti Bus for your downwinders (get yourself a bus card before) and start e.g. from Blouberg Kite Beach and kite down to Melkbos. Uber and Bolt are also the ridesharing apps that you can use while in Cape Town to get around - it's super cheap!

Where to Kitesurf in and around Cape Town

• Bloubergstrand: Renowned for its consistent winds and vast sandy beaches, Bloubergstrand aka Blouberg is a favorite among kitesurfers. Big Bay, Dolphin Beach, and Kite Beach are popular spots, providing excellent conditions for experienced riders. Southeast (Cape Doctor winds) offers optimal kitesurfing conditions.

• Langebaan: Located about an hour's drive from Cape Town, Langebaan offers a lagoon with shallow, flat waters—perfect for learners. Shark Bay is an ideal spot for kitesurfing here if you want a bit more space. Works best with South winds as well. Make sure it's not low tide when you go!

• Muizenberg: Known for its beginner-friendly conditions, Muizenberg's long sandy beach is excellent for those starting in the sport. It offers lessons and rentals making it an ideal spot for newcomers. The wind is onshore and the waves can be quite nice. The wind is not as strong as in Blouberg so bring your bigger kites. Nice for freestyling. Works best with South wind but also when the wind blows more North West or West.

• Strandfontein: Boasts a long sandy beach and relatively uncrowded waters, making it an excellent spot for kitesurfing. The consistent winds and open space offer ideal conditions for riders. It's about an hours drive from Cape Town. The wind is not as strong as in Blouberg so bring your bigger kites. Nice for freestyling. Works best with South wind but also when the wind blows more North West or West.

• Misty Cliffs: Nestled between Scarborough and Kommetjie, Misty Cliffs offers a rugged coastal setting with reliable wind conditions, attracting experienced kitesurfers seeking a more secluded spot about an hour away from Cape Town.

• Hermanus: This coastal town, known for whale watching, also offers kitesurfing opportunities, especially at Onrus Beach and Hawston Beach, where enthusiasts can experience good wind conditions. It's about a two hour drive from Cape Town. When the west wind prevails, it brings optimal conditions for kitesurfing, though it tends to attract crowds, especially professional riders from Cape Town. Meanwhile, the south wind typically picks up later in the day, making it more suitable for overnight stays, whereas the southeast wind creates varied conditions, offering gustier cross-onshore winds for beginners on the lagoon and excellent cross-offshore winds for experienced wave riders on the ocean.

• Witsand (Breede River): Approximately a four hour drive from Cape Town along the Garden Route, Witsand offers consistent winds and wide-open spaces for kitesurfing and butter flat riding. The Breede River Mouth provides both flat water and wave riding conditions, catering to different skill levels. Works best with East wind.

Coworking Spaces for Remote Work

Cape Town is equipped with several coworking spaces, providing an ideal environment for remote work. Our top choices around Blouberg are @Atwork Coworking Office Space and WorkXHub.

Other coworking spaces in Cape Town include:

• Workshop 17: Located in the V&A Waterfront, Workshop 17 offers comfortable workspaces, high-speed internet, and a vibrant community for digital nomads.

• Cape Town Office: Provides coworking spaces with a professional environment and various amenities suitable for remote work.

For tourists visiting Cape Town, it's essential to be aware of potential load shedding (electricity cuts) schedules that may affect daily activities. Consider staying informed about scheduled outages through local news sources or Eskom Se Push (mobile app), and if working remotely, ensure access to alternative power sources or coworking spaces equipped with backup generators to minimize disruptions during load shedding periods. We also recommend getting a local mobile data plan - we always use Airalo for our coverage.

Where to Stay in Bloubergstrand

• Surf Kite Sleep - The Surf Shack is is a haven for kitesurfing enthusiasts,, catering to backpackers and travelers worldwide, offering a relaxed beach culture vibe, top-notch service, and diverse accommodation options from Deluxe to shared rooms, featuring a fully equipped communal kitchen, lounge, outdoor patio, BBQ, and swimming pool, ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay

• Khaya Kite and Yoga House was started from scratch as a passion project; a home first and a business second. A place to find peace of mind. Everything was built from the heart and is run with a whole lot of love. The staff is family and so are you! So come kite, yoga, relax and enjoy your stay.

• Aloha Lodge is nestled in Milnerton's 1st road, and welcomes singles, couples, families, and business travelers seeking a conscious travel experience, offering proximity to the beach, restaurants, Table Mountain views, and easy access to outdoor activities like surfing, golfing, and cycling, fostering a community vibe for socializing, exploration, and discovering Cape Town and its scenic surroundings.

• Kitekahunas is located 50 meters from the ocean; where you can reside, learn, and relish your holiday in comfort alongside fellow kitesurfers. There's a saltwater swimming pool, terrace, spacious kitchen, in-house barbecue, and complimentary WiFi, with kitesurfing storage available for the school's students.

• The Point ZA is just a short walk to the beach! Renovated in 2022, this loadshedding-proof, fully-equipped modern guest house, only 700m from Kite Beach, offers barefoot luxury at an affordable price. They offer whole house rentals for groups of up to 10, or private rooms with access to shared living areas.

• @ Rosies offers 10 rooms of different sizes and beds and we are just one street up from Blouberg’s Beach Boulevard. Some of the Mother City’s most beautiful beaches with views to Table Mountain & Robben Island are on their doorstep.

Local Kite Schools

• High Five Kitesurfing School is located in Table View, Cape Town. They offer lessons for all levels, from beginner to advanced, providing IKO-certified instructors and various courses tailored to individual needs. They also organize downwinders.

• Kitekahunas is located Sunset Beach, Cape Town. The school also offers structured courses for beginners and intermediate riders, focusing on personalized training and safety.

• Big Air Kite Shop and School carries an extensive ange of big air, freeride, wave riding and other kitesurfing gear. Come to them for CORE kiteboarding gear, gear rental, beginner lessons or advanced coaching.

• Coastline | Kitesurfing Lessons Cape Town is a passionate, results-orientated kitesurfing school, that strives to provide clients with the most safe & informative kitesurfing lessons in Cape Town. Our main aim is to guide you through the step-by-step process of becoming a confident & independent kitesurfer!

Local Gyms

• Viva Gym offers monthly contracts and is the easiest option

• Virgin Active, which we love, has gyms throughout Blouberg. If you'll be in Cape Town for a few months, the most cost effective way to join is to get an annual contract pay the termination fee to get out earlier. It's definitely more expensive than Viva Gym, but we like the group classes and sauna.

Where to Eat in Bloubergstrand

Fancy Dining Options in Bloubergstrand

• On the Rocks Restaurant: Known for fresh seafood and stunning views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean

• The Blue Peter Restaurant: Mouth-watering Cape cuisine, including seafood straight from the ocean, is prepared by the Blue Peter’s master chef. Excellent and varied dishes serve to tantalise the taste buds and engage the senses, and are perfectly complemented by a selection of fine wines.

Laid-back Dining in Bloubergstrand

• RocoMamas TableView is a vibrant and popular burger joint known for its customizable gourmet burgers, loaded fries, and a lively atmosphere, offering a unique dining experience in South Africa

• Ons Huisie Restaurant translates to "Our Small Home" in Afrikaans which reflects the warm and welcoming atmosphere. We love their fish & chips!

Healthy Cafes in Bloubergstrand

• Bootlegger Coffee Company: Serves specialty coffee, fresh juices, and healthy breakfast options.

• Kauai Blouberg: Offers smoothies, wraps, salads, and health-conscious meals.

• All in the Kitchen Deli is a family owned food business. Specialising in creating a large range of healthy & nutritious home-cooked meals.

• The Surf Cafe has Good people, great coffee, good vibes. Dogs are welcomed!

• The Pink Olive is situated in the beautiful tranquil setting of Starke Ayres Garden Centre. Our Restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch

Drinking Spots to Unwind

• Pakalolo is a local gem! This bar is where fun and breathtaking sunsets collide and where you can gather with friends and revel in the vibrant atmosphere as the sun paints the sky in a kaleidoscope of hues. With delightful local brews and lively tunes, it's the perfect spot!

• News Cafe Table View is perfect for a quick breakfast & great cup of coffee in the morning, a sophisticated spot for lunch or a trendy cocktail bar in the evening.

• Doodles Beachfront restaurant and bar is perfect for grabbing a drink while enjoying the sea breeze.

Groceries in Bloubergstrand

• Pick n Pay: A popular supermarket chain providing a range of groceries and essentials for self-catering needs in Bloubergstrand.

• Woolworths Food: Offers high-quality fresh produce, gourmet foods, and ready-to-eat meals for convenience.

Activities for No Wind Days

• Hike!! There are so many great hikes to choose from. The most popular ones are up to Table Mountain (here are our top 5 recommendations) or Lions Head for panoramic views of the city and coastline, but we also love Devils Peak.

• Visit Winelands: Explore the nearby Stellenbosch, indulging in wine tasting and exploring picturesque vineyards. The Panoroma Trail in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is incredible!

• Explore Cape Town's Attractions: Visit historical landmarks like Robben Island, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, or the V&A Waterfront. If you're there in the summer, make sure to check out a concert at Kirstenbosch. You can also do a Township Tour of Langa (Andrea used to live there during her research during university) to get a different feel of life in Cape Town, grab a drink and boogie on Long Street or Camps Bay, visit the Cape of Good Hope, see the colorful houses in Bo-Kaap, or see some penguins at Boulders Beach.

• For adrenaline junkies, there's also shark diving (we recommend White Shark Diving Company, as they are an ethical eco friendly tour company devoted to environmental preservation) Mountain Biking, Paragliding, kayaking and ofc, regular surfing!

Safety Advice for Tourists

While we have never had any safety issues when living in Cape Town, there is unfortunately a lot of crime in the country. Here are some tips to stay safe!

• Stay Aware of Surroundings: Remain vigilant, especially in crowded or touristy areas. Avoid displaying valuable items openly and be cautious of pickpockets.

• Use Reliable Transportation: When moving around the city, consider using reputable transportation options. Ridesharing apps like Uber and Bolt are popular and relatively safe options for getting around Cape Town. Always ensure you're getting into the correct vehicle by confirming the details on the app, including the license plate and driver's name.

• Secure Accommodation: Choose accommodations in safe and well-regarded areas. Confirm that your lodging offers adequate security measures. Never leave anything in sight in your car, even if you don't think it's valuable like an iPhone cable or a pair of shoes.

• Avoid Isolated Areas at Night: It's advisable to avoid walking alone in isolated or poorly lit areas, especially after dark. Stick to well-lit and populated areas or arrange for transportation.

• Keep Emergency Numbers Handy: Have local emergency numbers and contacts saved in your phone in case of any unforeseen circumstances. The emergency number in South Africa is 10111 for the police, and 112 can be dialed from mobile phones for all emergencies.

• Stay Informed about Local Conditions: Stay updated on current events, travel advisories, and any safety concerns in the areas you plan to visit. Local news outlets or your accommodation's staff can provide useful information.

Cape Town and its surroundings offer an exhilarating kitesurfing experience, combined with a variety of activities and amenities catering to different tastes, ensuring an unforgettable stay for kitesurfing enthusiasts and travelers alike.