THE LURE The white sandy beaches and constant cross-shore wind in January make this arguably the absolute best spot in South Africa to kite. January is the 'wild wind month' averaging 25 – 30 knots on most days, so unless you're an accomplished rider time your visit either side of that month or get up early in the morning!
A feature in Issue #25 included Langebaan. It is available free online, just click here.
THE SET UP: Exit Cape Town International airport, shed a few layers of clothing, find a car, point it north up the coast and drive 130 kilometres in a dead straight line along a tarred road with not a single road coming off it until you get to the small town of Langebaan.
Langebaan lagoon is a two kilometre wide, shallow freestyle heaven. The turquoise blue water of the 20 x 1.5 kilometre lagoon is suitable for anyone from beginners upwards, but the choice of terrain to ride is actually high in Langebaan outside of the lagoon areas, and of course if you fancy some hardcore wave action then Cape Town is back down the road.
WIND & WEATHER: Cross-onshore to cross-offshore from the left. From September to the end of March the wind stats sit at 80% of days above 15 knots.
WATER: The water temperature averages 16 – 22°C year round.
OFF THE WATER: There are lots of nice little restaurants and bars just off the beach. There is one nightclub in town (which is a five minute drive from the lagoon) and a bar with live music on certain days of the week. There are plenty of other activities in the area, such as windurfing, kayaking, pilates and yoga lessons, and within a reasonable distance, a Gary Player signature golf course, horse riding, fishing, sight seeing in the wine-lands and Cape Town and the surrounding area.
CENTRES AND ACCOMODATION: WindChasers offers the ultimate package of upmarket beach styled accommodation designed to suit the windsports enthusiasts together with a top class IKO centre offering boat assisted kitesurfing lessons. Windchasers are located on the shores of the Langebaan lagoon just 1 hour out of Cape Town with warm, flat waters and close to perfect wind conditions ideal for teaching and perfecting this extreme adrenalin filled sport. WindChasers offers everything from outside hot and cold showers, equipment stores, wireless internet, laundry facilities to a very sociable and welcoming atmosphere. The accommodation is unique and ranges from more private self catering rooms to the KiteHouse which is communal accommodation for those on a bit more of a budget and looking for a more social and interactive experience. First-time novice or skilled expert, you'll love kiteboarding in Langebaan. Email:
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Tel: +27 22 77 21 904 Website: www.windchaserssa.com
AIRPORTS: Cape Town international airport (CPT) – Two hour drive to Langebaan.
