KITING IN LANGEBAAN – SOUTH AFRICA

 

Langebaan means long road and it is indeed a pretty long drive from Capetown but well worth it if you love flat water.  Beginners or intermediate kiters will appreciate the water conditions, but also foilers and freestylers in search of progress are well numbered on the water. Expect some chop when it is windy, but overall you will find lots of flat water and lots of space.

 

Shark Bay is a small drive from the center, and is a absolute paradise, but the beach is narrow and nasty bushes are just behind,  so concentrate when launching and landing.

Main Beach is in front of the town center and has more space to launch. Go riding a bit further away from the shore if you don t want to be bothered by the students of the kiteschools.

 

The tides at Langebaan create pretty strong currents so be ware not to loose your board.

 

WIND, WEATHER AND WATER

 

Same as Capetown, Langebaan’s season stretches from October to March with November to February being the most consistent. Prepare for anything between 10 and 35 knots in those months. In the afternoon it can get punchy but normally without the sharp edges of the conditions in Capetown.

 

It is rare to have windless days but it happens. Although, even if the forecast is bad, chances are great that you are still gonna be able to ride. If no wind, it might be a good idea to have a look 20 minutes up the road because conditions can be much different.

 

The climate feels comfy with around 25C in the summer days and a bit cooler at night. The water temperature at Langebaan is warmer than at the cape, depending on the season. Shark Bay is a bit more chilly than Main beach so make sure to pack your wetsuit.

 

OTHER ACTIVITIES

 

The village is not that huge and most accommodation is in walking distance of the bars and restaurants. If it s not windy, you can go biking, kayaking ou SUPing. It might still be a good idea to rent a car to get around easy. That would increase your exploration radius and you could for example drive out to the nature and wildlife parks in the neighborhood.