THE LURE The Cape Doctor is the name for the strong, persistent and dry south-easterly wind that blows along the South African coast in summer, and is particularly strong around the Cape Peninsula. Known as the Cape Doctor, it is believed to help rid Cape Town of its pollution and smog. This very regular wind condition has made Cape Town area hugely popular with travelling kiters and windsurfers for many years. In fact, Table View, a beach front town that faces Cape Town to the north is virtually taken over by watersports pros and enthusiasts between November and March.
THE SETUP: The northern part of the Cape Peninsula is where most of the kiting takes place, so we'll focus on those spots here. There are some amazing places elsewhere though, such as Scarborough and Cape Point in the south, but these are much more advanced wave venues.
SUNSET BEACH: Sunset Beach is the first spot you come to as you head north from Cape Town. It has the most consistent wind in the peninsula and is the first place to get windy as the Cape Doctor kicks in. A general rule is that if one spot gets too windy for you, drive a few spots north and the wind won't be as strong. Cross-offshore winds and beach break conditions here.
DOLPHIN / KITE BEACH: Head a little further around the bay and you'll come to Dolphin Beach, popularly known as Kite Beach. As the beach of Table View the views of Table Mountain are phenomenal from here. The wind is usually cross-shore here and you'll catch some good waves.
BIG BAY: Big Bay is the next spot with a pleasant grassy rigging area and a parking ground that overlooks the action. This spot is shared by windsurfers and kitesurfers, so respect each other here as it's not as big as some of the other beaches. The conditions are cross-/cross-onshore. MELKBOS: To get to the next spot, you definitely need a car. Melkbosstrand (Melkbos) gets more waves than the Table View beaches but gets less wind, so if you've been blown out everywhere else and the southeaster is at its strongest, then head here. The beach is huge, open and when it's howling windy, unless you're there to get on the water, it won't be top of your list! Cross-shore winds and occasionally cross-offshore and beach break conditions.
WIND & WEATHER: Air temperature averages 25°C - 30°C during the summer months. The Cape Doctor can blow 5-7 days a week, gradually picking up through the day and often still very strong in the evenings.
WATER: On average it is around 14ºC on the Atlantic side and 19ºC on the False Bay/Indian Ocean side. You'll need a spring/winter suit.
AIRPORTS: Cape Town international airport (CPT) – 40 kilometres to kite beach in Table View. Airport transfers are typically €30.
GETTING ABOUT: The public transport system is unreliable. There are also a lot of spots to kite, so it's necessary to hire a car. They should cost €24 per day / €280 per month.
