National Geographic Traveller

SWAP IT OUT

Foilboarding uses a

hydrofoil, which means less

drag and greater speeds

than traditional kitesurfing

— plus, riders can kite

in extremely low

winds

IMAGES: GETTY; ALAMY

A blend of surfing, wakeboarding, windsurfing,

paragliding and gymnastics, kitesurfing is taking

off everywhere from Dorset to Mauritius

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. planetkitesurfholidays.com

SAM LEWIS

SHALLOW WATER OR DEEP WATER?

Some beginners like the security

of being able to stand up if they

crash their kite but if there's

coral or rocks this can be more

dangerous, which is why many kite

schools teach in deep water.

PERFECT CONDITIONS

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. stregismauritius.com

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.

thewatersportsacademy.com

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.

LIGHT WIND OR STRONG WIND?

It’s not really about power, what’s key is that it’s constant.

Gusts make it difficult to learn. In low wind you can use a big

kite; if there’s stronger, constant wind you can go smaller.

Try a 'heart a�ack': � trick where the rider goes upside down, then

holds his board in one hand and the bar in the other

KITESURFING

Weather and environment play an important part in

deciding where to kitesurf

THE SURF LINGO

28 natgeotraveller.co.uk

SMART TRAVELLER // DO IT NOW