I went kitesurfing in Blouberg.

If you're into kitesurfing and seeking your next thrill, Cape Town's Blouberg Beach is the ultimate spot to be. The reason I always spend three or more months in Blouberg is that besides kitesurfing, there is so much more to do, as you can read in my other blogs.

 

 Location of Blouberg Beach.

Blouberg Beach is located near Cape Town. It is a 25-minute drive from the Cape Town city center.

 

Google maps location: Blouberg Beach

 

The Blouberg Community

Blouberg Beach is constantly bustling with kitesurfers from all over the world, exchanging tips, tricks, and stories. Additionally, there are plenty of shops and schools nearby, so whether you need to rent equipment or take lessons, you're covered. Everyone on the beach is enthusiastic about kitesurfing and enjoys watching fellow enthusiasts in action. Falling is just part of the sport, but the wonderful thing is, there's always a group of kiteboarders ready to lend a hand or share a laugh—assuming you're okay, of course, haha. Thank you to all the kind kitesurfers who retrieved my board for me (;  I've only been kitesurfing for a few years, but I always feel safe on the water because there are so many people around me when I kitesurf at this spot.

After finishing my session, I always enjoy watching other kitesurfers. The professionals often jump very close to the shore, which is very impressive to see. If you're also a fan of cocktails like me, then I definitely recommend watching the kitesurfers from the Pakalolo restaurant. Be sure to try the Beach Bum cocktail. It's my favorite drink. After a few Beach Bums, it seems like everyone is jumping much higher too (;

 

Conditions in Blouberg

The conditions in Cape Town can be quite challenging. It gets extremely windy at times, with large waves rolling in. The first time I saw the waves at Blouberg, I thought, "Hell no, I'll be eaten alive like a small fish." But that's the beauty of kitesurfing in Blouberg, you get a wide range of conditions to play with. The beach is expansive, offering both flat water for cruising and waves for a more exhilarating ride.

It's often windy in Cape Town. If you're here for just a couple of weeks, chances are you'll get plenty of good kite days. Sometimes, it blows really hard. Personally, I prefer hitting the water in the early afternoon when it's not as crazy windy yet and the waves won't swallow me whole, so don't be disappointed if the forecast shows 30+ knots.

Most kiteboarders are familiar with Cape Town for its strong winds. The wind blows from the southeast, driven by thermal winds created by the cold Arctic ocean, hot landmass, and Table Mountain. If you notice a large cloud forming over Table Mountain, it's a good indicator that you'll have a kiteable day. The wind season typically spans from October to April, reaching its peak from December to February. Check WindGuru to see if the wind is expected. Even if the forecast indicates southeast winds and it's not windy in the afternoon, stay put. The wind usually picks up a bit later.

 

The right Kite for Blouberg

I'm 1.62 meters tall and weigh 46 kg. I always kite with a 7-meter kite. I also make sure to check the wind before pumping up my 7-meter kite. Okay, that's not entirely true. Sometimes I don't check and just go out, but from my experience, that's the worst plan ever. Kiting with a 7-meter kite feels just right for me, even here in Blouberg. Kitesurfing in Blouberg isn't without its challenges. The wind can be strong, so you'll need to ensure you're using the right size kite for the conditions. The appropriate kite size for kitesurfing in Cape Town's Blouberg can vary depending on factors such as wind conditions, rider's weight, skill level, and board size.

However, generally speaking, most riders will use kites in the range of 6 to 10 meters. It is always best to check the local wind conditions and speak with experienced riders in the area to determine the best kite size for the specific conditions. For kitesurfing in Blouberg, a 7 or 9 m kite should be good. If you are very light, you may need to bring a 5 m or 6 m kite. The wind will generally start in the 20 knots range and increase to 30 knots. You will probably know which kite is the best for you depending on the wind.

 

The Right Wetsuit for Blouberg

It's really warm here, but don't let that fool you. The water can be quite chilly. I wear a 5/3 wetsuit, which works perfectly for me. I wouldn't recommend kiting in Blouberg with just a shorty. Actually, I hardly see anyone doing that. Despite living in the Netherlands, where it always rains, I actually tend to feel cold most of the time. So, to be able to kite comfortably for longer periods, I like to wear something warm.

For colder water temperatures, a 5/4 or 4/3 wetsuit with sealed seams and a hood would be a good option. This will provide sufficient insulation and protection against cold water and wind. For warmer water temperatures, a 3/2 or 2/2 wetsuit may be more appropriate. It's also important to consider the wind chill factor, as Cape Town can have strong winds which can make the air temperature feel cooler.

It's important to wear a wetsuit that fits snugly. Trust me, you'll get a shiver down your spine when that cold water hits your body. Sometimes, I have to adjust and can't even feel my feet after a long kite session. Two reasons: it can get really cold sometimes, and I might be a bit of a wimp.

 

Beginner kitesrufers in Blouberg

While kitesurfing at Blouberg Beach in Cape Town can be challenging for beginners, it's not impossible. The big waves at Blouberg can be intimidating for beginners. Especially on days with low wave predictions, high waves can still be pretty intimidating.

When I'm on the beach, I often see beginners getting kite surfing lessons. This is quite common here. You usually see flags from the kite school on the beach. This is a heads-up for me to sometimes look up, just in case a kite with the force of 100.000.000 lands on your head. Been there, done that...

If you're a beginner looking to try out kitesurfing in Blouberg, it's important to take lessons from a qualified instructor. They can provide you with the guidance and instruction you need to get started, as well as tips on how to stay safe and navigate the conditions on the beach.

One of the main challenges for beginners in Blouberg is the wind. The "Cape Doctor" wind can be quite strong, which can make it difficult for beginners to control their kite and maintain their balance on the board. However, the wind is usually more manageable in the morning, which makes it a good time for beginners to try out kitesurfing.

 

Blouberg Area

Blouberg is renowned for its breathtaking views of Table Mountain. The beach stretches for miles, with crystal-clear water and Table Mountain looming in the distance. And the sunsets here are truly something special. Seriously, when there are clouds and the sun sets, I guarantee you've never seen a more beautiful sunset in your life… 

If you’re kitesurfing, be sure to keep an eye on the water. There are many large fish swimming around, which I personally find incredibly exciting. I always follow the animals to capture a beautiful video with my GoPro. One of my most memorable experiences kitesurfing in Blouberg was when a group of dolphins swam around me. For me, this was truly one of the best experiences while kitesurfing.

I'm in Cape Town every year for three months: November, December, and January. I would love to meet you and have some great adventures together! Have you ever kitesurfed in Blouberg? What did you think of this spot?