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Best School Premier Destination: Langebaan, South Africa
Location
Our school is located on the shores of the beautiful Langebaan Lagoon, on the southwest coast of South Africa. Just one hour drive north of central Cape Town, our lessons operate from the beautiful Shark Bay and Pearly’s main beach, with stunning views all round. This school is associated with Best Kiteboarding Africa, the retail shop, just over the road from Kite Beach in Cape Town. Upon arrival At Cape Town International Airport, we recommend that you either hire a car or get a cab to Blouberg Beach. Alternatively, Best Kiteboarding School also offers Pick-up/Drop-off for your convenience at a small fee. Please contact us directly for further info. From Blouberg Beach in Cape Town (known as Kite Beach), there is a shuttle service that can take you up to Langebaan. This shuttle costs R350 per person return, and operates daily in season.
Directions from Cape Town International Airport: From Cape Town International Airport, jump onto the N2 highway towards Cape Town central. Take the West Coast Road turnoff just before hitting Cape Town Central and drive north for just over an hour. The Langebaan turnoff is well signposted, and is landmarked by a petrol station on the corner. A further 5km drive will lead you into the heart of Langebaan, a sleepy fishing village. Ask anyone here for the main Kite Beach.
Conditions
Summer Wind:
From October through April, the famous “Cape Doctor” blows consistently 4 – 5 days a week. The direction is southeast and, at Shark Bay, is on-shore but at Main Beach it is cross-shore from the left. Shark Bay is always about 10 knots lighter than at Pearly’s Beach. It normally starts blowing early in the morning at speeds of 10 – 15 knots and gradually picks up to 15 – 20 knots by midday. The afternoons usually bring a dramatic increase in wind speed up to 20 – 25 knots. However, it is not uncommon for it to pick up to 30 – 35 knots by late afternoon. The southeast is fuelled by a high-pressure system off the west coast of South Africa, resulting in very a powerful breeze. These months provide the best and most consistent conditions for learning to kitesurf.
Winter Wind:
From May through September, the weather is dominated by cold fronts passing by from the Antarctic, bringing with them northwesterly winds often accompanied by rain. These winds are also cross-shore, but from the right. Since they feed off low-pressure systems, the north westerlies are not as powerful as the summer winds.
Water Temperature:
Langebaan is a tidal lagoon and therefore the water is much warmer than the Cape. Water temperatures are generally lower in the summer 18° C (64.4° F); however ambient temperatures can exceed 30° C (86° F). Water temperatures rise up to from May to September (winter), but ambient temperatures can fall below 15° C (59° F). A 3/2 shortie or full wetsuit is still appropriate, but the wind-chill factor can make for cold conditions in the winter. Air temperatures remain constant during summer months (from Oct to April) at 29° C (84° F).
Lessons and Courses Offered
6 hours – Recommended for beginners wanting to learn as much as possible in one day.
Full-Day Course:
Half-Day Course:
4 hours – Recommended for beginners who need to follow up from a full day course.
Introductory Course:
2 hours – Recommended for those who want just a taste of what kitesurfing is about.
All of our Instructors are fully qualified by the IKO (International Kiteboarding Association) and no matter what your skill level, we can tailor the lesson plan to suit your needs. Our instructors are qualified to teach anywhere in the world.
All equipment and safety gear is included in the cost of the lesson; i.e. boards, kites, harnesses, wetsuits, helmets and all other appropriate safety gear. All the customer/guest has to do is meet us on the beach with sunscreen or lotion, sunglasses, a bathing suit and a towel.
We run courses seven days a week, 12 months a year, wind and weather dependent. We also offer group courses, but do not exceed 3 people per instructor. For watercourses, we also supply radio communication between instructor and student.
From October to April, it is recommended to pre-book courses at least one week in advance. Prices include the rental of all kites, harnesses and wetsuits. Contact us for the latest prices.
Equipment
All of our training is done with a full size range of Best Kiteboarding’s most popular selling kites, the Waroo. Kites ranging from the 3m Waroo upwards are utilized in the school, depending on wind conditions. We have a full range of Kites and Boards to suit all conditions and all levels of riders.
Accommodations
There is a wide variety of accommodations available from camping, surf hostels, guest houses, and B&B’s, to hotels. Many are within walking distance to the Beach. Rates for accommodation range from R50 per night up to R500 per night depending on high or low season, availability and your personal requirements.
Entertainment
There are several beach bars, clubs and restaurants along the beach, each with their own spectacular views of the kiteboarders and windsurfers. Most offer great meals and drinks, with many specials and happy hours during season! There is also a Casino for those interested in gaming as well as local Craft Markets. One hour drive back to Cape Town and you have a great variety of clubs, pubs and restaurants, providing brilliant food and an array of entertainment.
Best Kiteboarding School: Langebaan
P.O. Box 322, Milnerton, 7435.
Phone: +27 (0) 76 591 6069
Fax: +27 (0) 21 552 1441
Email: bestkiteboarding@vodamail.co.za
Website: www.windfever.co.za