Wave Sailing in SA

Ask anyone who loves water sports and you will be told that it doesn’t get any better than South Africa. The coastal areas are absolutely stunning and the waves are magnificent even if you’ve never tried wave sailing before. There will always be the lower levels of difficulty if you just walk a few meters down the beach on either side.

It is true that if your idea of water sports consists of an idle and pleasant walk along a jetty perusing the variety of boats for sale, then you’re perhaps better off staying away from its more demanding aspects. This being said, however, if you are willing to get wet and have some fun in the water, then water sports are for you.

Some of the waters sports one can enjoy aside from wave sailing are sea kayaking, wind surfing, kite surfing, surf skiing, and sailing. From this list you can tell that the waters in some parts of South Africa, in Jeffery’s Bay, for example, are like those in Hawaii and other world class surfing sites.

Cape Town Water Sports

Cape Town is known for being one of the premier water sports locations in the country. One of these spots is known as “The Kite’s Nest” at Sunset Beach. This is a place run by a family headed by Brad who is the sea aficionado, and Kate who is very talented artist.

Not far from “The Kite’s Nest” are other places along Sunset Beach which welcome walk-ins: so if you’re in the area, you can make a pit stop for some exciting wave sailing lessons. If the sea is a bit too rough for you, Cape Town has a dam which can also be used for amateurs and beginners in wave sailing, although of course, there is no comparison to being confronted by high waves.

Some Famous International Surfers Who Depend on South Africa’s Waves

As proof that South Africa is a world class wave sailing destination, you’d be surprised at how many international talents come to the country for practice and experience. Some of these professional athletes are:

Josh Angulo is a surfing and wave sailing champion who lives in Cape Verde. This is a group of 10 islands that comprise the country of Cape Verde and is located near the west of the African continent. South Africa has a Cape Verde embassy and has very good ties with the country. Josh Angulo visits South Africa occasionally for some R&R but teaches mainly in his home country.

John Skye began as a wind surfer because of his father’s influence and learned to wave sail when it wasn’t even popular yet. This British athlete is often seen in South Africa’s beaches where he can be seen practicing and doing spectacular tricks on the water.

Kenneth Danielsen began water sports at age 13. He lived in Denmark and spent a lot of his teen years on the water. During the cold winter months, he would go to Cape Town to be able to continue his training.

Other up-and-coming athletes for windsurfing and wave sailing who make it a point to visit South Africa because of the waves are Christopher Friis and Andreas Olandersson (who is a Swedish champion).

Some Places to go Wave Sailing

South Africa’s coastline is abundant in surfer friendly spots with high waves. There are the usual popular spots, and then there are the less known places to go waves sailing. You might want to consider these 3:

Hermanus is near Cape Town, and has a lagoon for beginners in wave sailing. Struisbaai is along the south side of the country and is best for those who want to practice starboard wave sailing. Finally, Stilbay, also known as the Bay of Sleeping Beauty, is 45 minutes away from Mossel Bay. The wind comes in from the southwest and gives wave sailors a unique opportunity to hone their down the line, side off, and starboard tack skills.