Where to go kitesurfing

A blend of surfing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, paragliding and gymnastics, kitesurfing is taking off everywhere from Dorset to Mauritius

By Sam Lewis
Published 17 Oct 2016, 09:00 BST, Updated 7 Jul 2021, 16:52 BST

Kitesurfing. Image: Getty

Photograph by Getty Images

Where?
While we shiver through winter here in the UK, it's Africa's summer, with temperatures in the high 20s —the perfect time to learn to kitesurf in Langebaan, a huge lagoon in an idyllic seaside town about 60 miles north of Cape Town. With guaranteed wind, flat water and shallow waist-high areas, it's ideal for learning the basics. Surrounded by a nature reserve with plenty of affordable places to eat, this surfing mecca also has more to offer experienced kiters who want to jump or tackle waves.

Why now?
Thomas Cook's new direct Cape Town flight from Gatwick runs three times a week from 15 December through to late March, with prices from £500 return. British Airways also offers direct flights from Heathrow.

How to do it
Planet Kitesurf offers tailor-made tours with safari add-ons and overnights in Cape Town. Six nights' B&B including flights costs around £1,100 each, staying at The Farmhouse Hotel, which overlooks the lagoon. An eight-hour learn to kitesurf course costs £126 each.

3 places to try

Long-haul: Le Morne, Mauritius
Kitesurf world-class waves at The St Regis Mauritius Resort's Watersports Centre, which has cut-price deals at the end of this season.

Best for Beginners: Poole, Dorset
Learn to ride the calm, shallow waters of Poole Harbour, with a backdrop of Brownsea Islands and the Purbecks. A two-day beginners' course, from £200 at The Watersports Academy.

Short-haul: Dakhla, Morocco
A stunning blue lagoon with reliable winds year-round. Get here on same-day connecting flights via Casablanca (new this year). Then learn to kitesurf on one of the lagoon-side camps.

Published in the November 2016 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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