Kitespots in Cape Town – What You Need to Know Before You Go

Before diving into the best kitesurf spots, it’s important to understand why Cape Town is such a special — and sometimes demanding — place to kite. Conditions here are world-class, but not always forgiving.

Wind Conditions in Cape Town

Cape Town is famous for its strong and consistent wind, especially during the summer months.

Main wind:

• South-Easter (SE), locally known as the Cape Doctor

• Blows mainly from October to March

• Strongest in the afternoon (often 20–35 knots)

What this means for kiting:

• Reliable wind almost daily in season

• Perfect for big air, progression and advanced riding

• Beginners should be cautious on strong wind days

Water Temperature & Wetsuit Advice

Cape Town sits between two oceans — and you’ll feel it.

Atlantic Ocean (Blouberg, Sunset Beach, Langebaan):

• Cold due to the Benguela current

• Water temperature: 10–15°C

• Wetsuit: 4/3 mm or 3/2 mm recommended year-round

False Bay (Muizenberg) and Langebaan Lagoon:

• Slightly warmer

• Water temperature: 14–18°C

• Shorty possible on warm summer days

Tip: Even on hot days, the water stays cold — don’t underestimate it.

Pros & Cons of Kitesurfing in Cape Town

✅ Pros

• Extremely reliable wind in season

• Huge variety of spots (flat water, waves, big air)

• Stunning scenery — mountains, ocean, sunsets

• Strong kitesurf community & infrastructure

• Events like King of the Air attract global riders

⚠️ Cons

• Cold water year-round

• Strong wind not ideal for beginners every day

• Busy beaches in peak season

• Powerful conditions require respect and awareness

• Not all spots are suitable for self-launching

Beginner-Friendly Kitesurf Spots in Cape Town

Langebaan Lagoon

Langebaan is a shallow, flat-water lagoon about an hour north of Cape Town and one of the best places in South Africa to learn kitesurfing. The steady wind and forgiving conditions make it ideal for first rides and skill progression. It’s especially popular with beginners and freestyle riders.

Big Bay (Blouberg)

Big Bay is a wide beach with consistent wind and lifeguards on duty, making it a popular choice for beginners in Cape Town. On smaller days, it offers manageable conditions close to the city. As wind and swell increase, it quickly becomes more demanding.

Flat-Water & Freestyle Spots

Shark Bay (Langebaan)

Shark Bay is known for mirror-flat, shallow water protected from chop by sandbanks. It’s one of the most popular freestyle spots in South Africa and attracts riders from all over the world. Best accessed with some local knowledge.

Witsand (Breede River)

Witsand offers ultra-flat water behind a sandbank where the river meets the ocean. The wind is clean and strong, making it a dream spot for technical riding. It’s further away, but well worth the road trip.

Brandvlei Dam

Brandvlei is a freshwater dam with thermal wind conditions and smooth water. It’s often used as a backup spot when coastal wind is too strong or inconsistent. Less scenic, but very functional.

Wave Riding Spots

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach delivers classic wave-kiting conditions with clean lines and strong wind. It’s a favorite among experienced riders looking to combine waves and power. Conditions can be intense and change quickly.

Big Bay

Big Bay offers rideable wave sections and works well as a crossover spot between freeride and wave riding. It’s easily accessible and popular with confident intermediate riders. Crowds are common on windy days.

Scarborough

Scarborough is an exposed open-ocean spot with powerful swell and dramatic scenery. It’s suited for confident wave riders who are comfortable in strong conditions. The atmosphere is raw and untouched.

Platboom

Located inside Cape Point Nature Reserve, Platboom is remote and wild. The waves are powerful and the scenery dramatic, making it one of the most beautiful but demanding spots. Best left to very experienced riders.

Advanced & Big Air Spots

Kite Beach (Blouberg)

Kite Beach is one of the most famous big air spots in the world. Strong, clean wind and perfect kickers make it a playground for advanced riders. It’s also the heart of Cape Town’s kitesurf scene.

Dolphin Beach

Dolphin Beach offers similar power to Kite Beach but with heavier traffic. Wind is strong and consistent, making it suitable for confident riders who are comfortable launching and landing in busy conditions.

Melkbosstrand

Melkbosstrand provides more space than Blouberg with similar wind strength. It’s a solid alternative for riders looking to avoid crowds while still enjoying powerful conditions.

Misty Cliffs

Misty Cliffs is wild, rocky and exposed, with dramatic scenery and strong wind. Launching can be challenging and conditions unforgiving. This spot is strictly for experienced riders.