Bloubergstrand - commonly referred to as Blouberg - is a popular spot both to live in and to visit. The list of reasons for this is long, thanks to the area's vast array of amenities, great properties for sale and natural beauty. However, there is one microcosm of society for whom Blouberg has even more appeal: kitesurfers. Aptly described as a "kitesurfing mecca", Blouberg's beaches boast conditions perfect for those looking to glide over the waves.
First things first: What is kitesurfing?
In a nutshell, kitesurfing is a sport in which you harness the power of wind, using a kite and board, to skim across the water. A kitesurfer is harnessed to a large hand-controlled kite and he or she uses a board (similar to a skateboard or snowboard) to glide across the water. Unlike other similar disciplines, kitesurfing doesn't rely on heavy winds - only minimum wind speed is needed to get these kites flying. The sport is easy to customise, with various types of kites and boards available. Each combination of kite and board will cater for different riding styles and situations.
Who should try kitesurfing?
If you're a resident or potential resident of Blouberg and you're wondering if kitesurfing is for you, read on. If you enjoy a good adrenaline rush and have the patience, time and funds to learn a new skill, you should definitely consider becoming a kitesurfer. Joining the array of kites that you'll see on the water on any given day in season is a great way to become part of a community. Provided that you're in good physical health and feel comfortable in the water, people of most ages can try kitesurfing. You'll need to have reasonable aerobic endurance, coordination and balancing skills.
What makes Blouberg an ideal kitesurfing spot?
During the summer months - from November to April - a trade wind known by locals as "The Cape Doctor" blows in from the southeast. This wind creates ideal conditions for kitesurfing in various parts of the Western Cape - including Blouberg. Beaches in the Blouberg and Table View area that are popular with kitesurfers include Lagoon Beach, Sunset Beach, Dolphin Beach and Kite Beach. An insider's secret is that Doodle Beachfront - where the conditions are just as good - tends to be less crowded than the area's other kitesurfing beaches.
Founder of Wavescape.co.za, Steve "Spike" Pike, explains more about the science that makes Blouberg a kiter's dream. In an interview with Red Bull in 2017, Pike shared that Cape Town is located along the eastern edge of an anti-cyclonic system, which is what makes the Cape Doctor such a well-known characteristic of the Western Cape - and such a harbinger of conditions perfect for kitesurfing.
Kitesurfing lessons in Blouberg
Over and above the various conditions that make Blouberg a great spot to go kitesurfing, there is also a range of kitesurfing schools operating in the area - mostly from Kite Beach. Depending on how you learn best, you'll be able to choose from private or group lessons, as well as more advanced sessions once you have mastered the basics. A typical session lasts between two and three hours, and all reputable kite surfing schools will offer an array of safety precautions.
The ocean - which is described by one kitesurfing school as "Mother Nature's ultimate playground" - awaits, and without doubt, the safest and most efficient way to learn to kitesurf is to go for a course of professional lessons.
Whether you're a novice kitesurfer, an expert or just a spectator, Blouberg is an ideal place to call home. Get in touch with Seeff about the wide range of properties for sale and to rent in this Instagram-worthy part of Cape Town.
Image credit: Kitesurfing in Capetown by Anonymous | Wikipedia | CC-BY-SA-4.0 | https://bit.ly/2CF1bkW